Determination is an important attribute to have in sports.

Palmerton certainly looked determined on Thursday to advance to the District 11 3A semifinals.

The Bombers (13-5) put together one of their most complete games of the year, and led right from the onset in their opening-round matchup with Catasauqua, downing the Rough Riders 67-47.

Early on, Palmerton showed patience offensively and put together an efficient first half on that side of the floor. The Bombers made it a priority to attack the rim with lengthy guard Kody Krazter, and also to get the ball to the middle of the floor to big man Owen Buck. The result was that both Krazter and Buck were able to get quality shot opportunities consistently, combining for 19 of Palmerton’s 30 first-half points.

The Bombers successful offensive approach, paired with their focus on taking care of the basketball - they committed just four turnovers in the first half - helped them get out to a 30-22 advantage at intermission.

“We’ve been working hard, trying to improve our patience on the offensive side of the floor and improve the quality of looks that we’re generating,” said Palmerton head coach Ken Termini. “We’ve also been shooting a lot from those type of looks we want in practice, and it certainly paid off tonight. Our guys did a great job of executing and got it done.”

Palmerton’s determination once again showed early in the third, as it went on to outscore the Rough Riders by 11 points in the frame to lead 51-32 going into the fourth.

Kratzer simply took over in the quarter, scoring nine points and taking it to the Rough Riders in the paint. The senior - who surpassed the 1,000-point mark earlier this season - made it his primary focus to be more of a physical guard, and his work showed as he got to the rim anytime he wanted. He was also a force on the offensive boards.

“We knew that the first four minutes of the third quarter were going to be key. We knew whatever team put together a mini run was going to have the momentum,” said Termini. “Either we were going to blow it open, or they were going to make it tight.

“Kody Kratzer was the best player on the floor tonight. You could see he was going into take over mode. It was his game to take over, and I think he did.”

LEADERS … Kratzer scored a game-high 30, finishing his night with a two-handed slam in the fourth quarter that prompted both teams to put in their reserves. Tyler Stuck and Austyn White also had nice nights, adding 11 points each for the Bombers. For Catasauqua, recent 1,000-point scorer Derek Troxell dueled with Kratzer throughout the game, scoring a team-high 25.

NEXT UP … No. 3 seed Palmerton will head to No. 2 seed Notre Dame Green Pond on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the District 11 3A semis.

EFFICIENT … The Bombers were exceptional offensively on Thursday. They turned it over just six times and went 6-for-7 from beyond the arc.

PALMERTON

Connell 0-0-0-0, Kratzer 12-5-6-30, White 4-0-0-11, Reph 0-0-0-0, Whitney 0-0-0-0, Robinson 0-0-0-0, Sebelin 1-0-0-2, Bates 0-0-0-0, Hosier 0-0-0-0, Stuck 4-1-2-11, Frank 0-0-0-0, Buck 4-0-0-8, Machalik 2-1-3-5, Anthony 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 27-7-11-67

CATASAUQUA

McLean 0-0-0-0, Paulino 0-0-0-0, Lenor-Martinez 1-1-2-3, Schiffer 2-1-4-7, Bright 0-0-0-0, Hess 3-0-0-6, Colon 0-0-0-0, Juica 0-0-0-0, Reitz 2-0-0-4, Troxell 8-3-3-25, Younes 1-0-0-2, Rivera 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 17-5-10-47.

Palmerton 16 14 21 16 – 67

Catasauqua 10 12 10 15 – 47

Three-pointers: Palmerton – White 3, Stuck 2, Kratzer 1; Catasauqua – Troxell 4, Schiffer 2.