The Slatington Rotary Tournament saw four boys teams — including host Northern Lehigh — return from celebrating Christmas Day with their families.

Unfortunately for the hometown Bulldogs, they were given a rude welcome back to the court by Pleasant Valley as the Bears cruised to a 67-35 victory in the second game of Thursday’s action.

PV was quick to attack as it dominated the first quarter 27-3, which included a 21-0 run. Zach Prator led the way offensively, as he scored 10 of the Bears’ first 22 points. Prator finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.

“We had a rough stretch (with a) few losses in a row, so it feels nice to finally get a win,” Prator said. “The food and seeing family and definitely a lot of rest for the guys helped bring our spirits up, and got us the win today.”

“He’s one of the top players in the EPC,” said head coach Bobby Hahn about Prator. “It’s been a pleasure to coach him now since he’s been a freshman. It’s been great to see him and his growth throughout, and every year he gets better. Even though he’s had three good years, he just keeps getting better every year in every game.”

With a large lead early, Pleasant Valley was given the flexibility to use all of its players and get everybody some game time. All 12 available Bears’ players saw the floor, with 11 of them contributing on the scoreboard — including eight that had a single field goal in the second quarter which accounted for the team’s 16 points and upped the lead to 43-9 by halftime.

The night was particularly special for Hahn, who previously played for Northern Lehigh as a student.

“It was really neat to come back and see a lot of familiar faces and a lot of people that I really respect,” he said. “My head coach (Rich Oertner) when I was here came back, and my assistant coach (Denny Rehrig) when I played was here. So it was really neat to see them come and support me, and it was a lot of fun.”

With the victory, Pleasant Valley advances to play Catasauqua tonight for the tournament championship. Coach Hahn’s previous experience of playing in this tournament potentially provides an extra advantage for the Bears.

“Playing in (this tournament) definitely has its benefits to be able to tell these guys kind of what to expect,” he said. “No matter what records show, no matter what leagues you’re in, every game here is its own game. Showing them that by being able to play in it, how hard everybody has to play, how much everybody wants it, getting them ready for the type of atmosphere we’re going to have tomorrow, I think it’s important.

“Catty brings a lot of people. It’s going to be loud, and we’ve got to come ready to play. They’re a very good team, they’re very well-coached and it’s going to be a very good championship game.”

Despite only having a 3-6 record, Pleasant Valley has shown noticeable improvement on the court this year, and has even higher expectations moving forward.

“We know we want to make districts,” said Prator. “We haven’t made districts in a few years, and I feel that this is the year we could make it deep into the postseason.”

PV’s Sebastian Sacci, who finished with 10 points and six rebounds, surmised what could be the key to more wins the rest of the season.

“We’re going with a lot more intensity in practice,” said Sacci. “We’re going through things with more detail, and just focusing on the little things that lead to hopefully more wins.”

Win or lose, the Bears hope to give their opponent a battle night in and night out.

“What’s really stood out is the competitiveness these guys have,” said Hahn. “This team really wants to win. They’re a competitive team and no matter what team we’re playing, no matter what the record, they work hard and they want it.

“I’ve been very proud of our guys. We’re running our things efficiently, executing plays, and we’ve got to just make sure now we continue moving forward and get better every game.”

BULLDOG LEADERS ... Northern Lehigh received a team-high 16 points from Connor Simms, while Kellen Bauer ended with 14.

CHAMPIONSHIP SET … Pleasant Valley faces Catasauqua in the final. The Rough Riders defeated Bethlehem Christian 79-72 in the first game of the tournament.

PLEASANT VALLEY

Haines 1-0-0-3, Loch 2-0-0-4, Roselli 2-0-0-5, Kauffman 3-0-0-6, Solt 3-0-0-8, Moore 3-1-2-8, Green 2-0-0-4, Sacci 5-0-0-10, Gearhart 1-0-0-2, Breuer 0-0-0-0, Prator 8-0-0-17. TOTALS: 30-1-2-67.

NORTHERN LEHIGH

Simms 5-5-8-16, Bauer 5-3-3-14, Salih 1-0-0-2, Daubert 1-0-0-3, Karetsky 0-0-0-0, LoPinto 0-0-0-0, Novicki 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 12-8-11-35.

Pleasant Valley 27 16 19 5 - 67

Northern Lehigh 3 6 12 14 - 35

Three-pointers: Pleasant Valley - Solt 2, Haines 1, Roselli 1, Moore 1, Prator 1; Northern Lehigh - Simms 1, Bauer 1, Daubert 1.

Records: Pleasant Valley (3-6); No. Lehigh (2-6).