Whitehall’s Seth “Sudge” Hoderewski wasn’t totally surprised by his seventh-seeded team’s 50-47 upset of second-seeded Pocono Mountain West in the District 11 Class 6A quarterfinals last week.

He has seen a recurring element that has helped his team win six of their last nine games.

“There’s just one word that can describe this team; it’s resilient,” beamed Hoderewski. “We went through many battles and heartbreaks throughout the season and chose not to back away. This group of guys found a way to put us in a position for a championship.”

And Hoderewski played a big part in the Zephyrs’ latest victory. He sank two free throws in the final 1.5 seconds of his game-high 25-point performance that lifted the Zephyrs into the district semifinals for the fourth consecutive year.

The Zephyrs (12-12) met sixth-seeded Liberty (16-9), a 75-65 victor over Nazareth, at Easton Area Middle School Wednesday. Last season, Whitehall dropped a 44-40 decision to Northampton in the semifinals.

Whitehall head coach Jeff Jones likes the fact that his season has been extended, and he also has appreciated a continuous team effort. Cole Rozycki added 10 points.

“Sudge was great with his point total, but all six that played were really good,” beamed Jones. “Tanner (Dogmanits) had seven assists and zero turnovers and Rozycki had 10 points and two dunks. Talon (Dogmanits) was great defensively, guarding their top scorer. It totally was a team effort.”

Jones also has been impressed with his team overcoming a slow start.

“This team never quit all season despite being 2-7 at one point,” added Jones. “Credit to the assistant coaches for working hard in helping us prepare for this game.”

Jones sees Liberty as a difficult matchup. Liberty edged Whitehall, 46-44, in the regular-season meeting Dec. 3. All-league player Jake Pukszyn had 21 points in the Nazareth win.

“Liberty is playing well and will be a tough challenge,” noted Jones. “They mix defenses and have a really good interior and perimeter player.”

Hoderewski believes his team’s tight bond and chemistry can carry them. He sees a difference since they were beaten by Northampton, 44-37, on Jan. 21.

“Since the Northampton game we feel we grew closer and bonded more,” stressed Hoderewski. “We are excited and ready for Wednesday and believe we can go all the way.”