"If there’s one thing we learned last year, it’s that you have to look at the season as a long journey," Albright said, referring to DeSales’ charge to the Division II state tournament.

Those with great expectations for the Stallions wonder aloud how a team this talented and experienced has three losses. The same critics likely will insist that visiting DeSales should have defeated Hartley more handily than a 57-47 outcome last night would suggest.

But as long as the Stallions continue doing what they do well — most notably get the ball into the hands of their big scorers — they’ll be a tough matchup for anyone in the Central Catholic League, the Central District or the state.

"We went in really focused on improving on defense tonight and that really sparked everything we were able to achieve on offense in terms of our transition game," DeSales senior point guard Dane Johnson said.

The Stallions (6-3, 3-0) converted a bevy of forced turnovers into open-court opportunities during a 12-0 first-half run and eventually overwhelmed the gritty but outmanned Hawks (6-2, 2-1). De-Sales has won 14 of the teams’ past 15 meetings.

With 22 points, Elijah Allen passed 1,000 for this career. He finished several DeSales fast breaks and had a dunk in the fourth quarter.

"We’ve played in spurts a lot so far and coach keeps telling us that the one constant is getting up in their shorts and playing good defense," Allen said. "Sure, it’s a lot of fun running up and down the floor, but it’s not always going to come that easy. The key for us is trying to play more consistent."

Part of DeSales’ early struggles can be attributed to Johnson being out because of a wrist injury. Although Allen and senior Alex Kellogg (13 points, eight rebounds, three dunks) are the top scorers and rebounders, the offense runs through Johnson (10 points, seven assists).

"At this part, I see us slowly starting to improve; we’re beginning to turn the corner," Albright said.

Colt Stafford scored 13 points and Zack Byers 12 to lead Hartley. But Johnson was effective in limiting open looks to Byers, who can take over games from the perimeter.

The Hawks cut a 16-point deficit to seven on a three-point play by Kevin Connor with 1:19 left but couldn’t match the talent and athleticism of De-Sales.

"They present a lot of problems for us with their speed and size," Hartley coach Randy Kortokrax said.