For Cole Rozycki, it has been a long spring and summer.

The incoming Whitehall junior completed his volleyball season for the Zephyrs this past spring. They advanced to the state playoff before they fell to Cumberland Valley, 3-1. Whitehall endured 25 games with a 19-6 record.

Then, Rozycki has shifted his attention to basketball.

A center, Rozycki will be looking to heighten his game in the pivot. Rozycki had to adjust to in the Lehigh Valley Summer Basketball League

“I think I’m [played] well for getting back into things after a long volleyball season,” offered Rozycki, who averaged 6.5 points last season. “I’m working on being more patient in the post and free throws. I learned a lot from last year like how to play in a faster paced game and the importance of having a “next play” mindset.”

With the loss of eight overall seniors - four starters - Rozycki knows his role will need to increase this winter.

“I do see myself in a bigger role this year with us having five seniors who graduated,” said Rozycki. “Playing in the post can be difficult sometimes because most teams in the EPC don’t have bigs, so I have to worry about double teams, but as I keep working and getting stronger I think I could use that as a big advantage this year.”

Head coach Jeff Jones is confident his 6-5 center can take the next step. Whitehall finished with an overall 13-14 record and lost to Methacton, 49-46, in an opening-round state game last season.

“I’m seeing a more confident player who the other players trust and look up to,” boasted Jones. “He knows we need him to have a great year in order to be successful next season. He really is just starting to play again since the volleyball season went long for the boys. He’ll work on his weaknesses with relentless effort.”