BETHLEHEM - The Palmerton girls basketball team has been unbeatable in the Colonial League this season.

That wasn’t about the change Friday night.

The Blue Bombers delivered a championship performance to shut down Notre Dame Green Pond 34-20 and claim their first league title since the 1997-98 season.

“It’s an honor just to be a part of it,” said Palmerton head coach Jeremy Coleman. “It’s great for the community, for the school, great for the kids. They’ve been here three straight times and haven’t come away with a title. To get silver three times is tough. They really worked hard to get the job done, and their work paid off.”

These Bombers (23-1) have been undeniable, going 17-0 during league play this season to earn the top seed in the tournament.

“Everyone’s so excited,” said senior Sydney Frantz. “This is the moment we’ve been wanting for three years. This is just so exciting.”

Palmerton prevailed in a physical, defensive battle, stifling a Crusader squad that went 18-4 during the season and was the No. 2 seed.

The Bombers trailed 6-2 after the first quarter, but took a 12-10 lead into the intermission as senior Hannah Barry scored five of her nine points in the second period.

That momentum carried in the third quarter. After a basket by Emily Lessig early in the period tied the game at 12-12, Palmerton went on an 11-0 run to take control.

Palmerton forced six turnovers and only committed one in the quarter, as they outscored Notre Dame 13-4 to take a 25-14 lead into the fourth quarter.

“We just had to play confident ... no nerves, ” said Frantz, who also had nine points. “This was just another game, but it was obviously a big game, and a big atmosphere. It was awesome to play in this.

“But we just needed to keep our composure, and be patient on offense. Our defense was amazing tonight. I think everyone did an exceptional job.”

Notre Dame was never able to find its rhythm on offense, and was held to its lowest point total of the season.

“To do it in a game of this magnitude is disappointing, and I know our kids are thoroughly disappointed in themselves,” said Crusaders coach Josh Kopp. “That’s what makes this the hardest thing to accept ... we weren’t at our best from an offensive standpoint.

“But a lot of that credit goes to Palmerton. They’re a deserving champ. To go undefeated all season long, they proved today that they’re the best team in this league. My hats off to them. Hopefully we get another chance at them in a few weeks.”

Notre Dame’s defense also played well in keeping the Bombers to their lowest point total of the season.

The Crusaders forced 10 turnovers in the first half to keep the game close, but Palmerton stepped up in the second half to seal a championship that was over two decades in the making.

“You know what they say, defense wins championships, and it certainly proved to be the case today,” Coleman said with a smile.

And it might not be the last one these Bombers claim this season.

STAT LINE

... It took a team effort to win the championship. Sophomore Courtney Connell had eight rebounds and four points for Palmerton, while senior Megan Matsko scored five points and had five boards. Junior Ella Baumgardt had seven points. “Courtney Connell and Ella (Baumgardt) really stepped up this year to be that starting five,” said Frantz. “And Mikayla Pengelly is an exceptional player when she comes off the bench. We worked in the offseason, too. We’ve been ready for this moment, and it’s definitely been showing this whole year.”

PROGRAM SUCCESS

... Coleman, in his first year leading the girls varsity program, praised the work that goes on at other levels in the program, which has had a run of sustained success. “This win goes way back to all the youth leaders that constantly work with the kids, Brian Morgan, Ryan Connell, Matt Baumgardt, all these guys that spend hours and hours and hours with these girls when they were younger,” said Coleman. “That’s where a program really develops, is at the youth level. I can’t thank them enough. And last year’s coaches did a great job as well. Coach (Dan) Beck, coach (Paul) McCrone, they deserve just as much credit as anybody. Great win for everyone all the way around.”

LAST TIME

... Palmerton topped Notre Dame 45-42 in the previous meeting between the teams this season on Jan. 18.

TITLE TOWN

... The Bombers last league title (1997-98) was their third in a row during a dominant run of success for the program.

NOTRE DAME GP

E. Schweitzer 0-1-2-1, Hammerstone 0-0-0-0, O. Schweitzer 3-0-2-7, Bedics 0-0-0-0, Boyle 0-0-0-0, Ryan 0-0-0-0, Zambo 0-0-0-0, Karwacki 0-0-0-0, Shonk 0-0-0-0, Howlett 0-0-0-0, Lessig 2-2-6-6, Campbell 1-4-6-6, Ryan 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 6-7-16-20.

PALMERTON

Pengelly 0-0-0-0, Baumgardt 0-7-10-7, Frantz 3-2-3-9, Rumfield 0-0-0-0, Morgan 0-0-0-0, Han. Barry 3-2-2-9, Matsko 1-3-6-5, Andrews 0-0-0-0, Connell 1-2-4-4. TOTALS: 8-16-25-34.

Notre Dame GP 6 4 4 6 - 20

Palmerton 2 10 13 9 - 34

Three-pointers: Notre Dame GP - O. Schweitzer 1. Palmerton - Frantz 1, Han. Barry 1.