UPDATE: Parkland High School’s boys basketball team clinched a thrilling 54-49 victory over Allentown Central Catholic today, creating a vital boost in momentum as they head deeper into the season. The game, held at Rockne Hall, showcased the Trojans’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
The victory marks a significant turnaround for Parkland, which had been on a three-game losing streak. This win, coming on January 13, 2024, is crucial as both teams eye playoff positions in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Parkland now stands at 7-4 overall and 3-1 in EPC play.
In an unexpected first half, Parkland’s star player, Blake Nassry, struggled, shooting 0-for-7 and finishing the first half scoreless. However, the Trojans rallied around their teammates, with senior Tyler Beck leading the charge in the second quarter. Beck’s career-high of 19 points included critical baskets that shifted the game’s momentum.
Beck stated, “I felt really good today. My guys had my back and had confidence in me. Anyone can score on our team.” His strong performance in the third quarter, including a pivotal 3-pointer that extended Parkland’s lead to 37-25, was a turning point.
The game took a dramatic turn in the second half, with Parkland outscoring Central Catholic 6-for-11 to 4-for-15 in field goal attempts. Jude Ruisch added to the momentum with a stellar performance, scoring 16 points and hitting multiple critical 3-pointers.
Despite a strong start from Central Catholic, which included an early lead of 10-9 in the first quarter, the Vikings struggled to maintain their advantage. Coach Dennis Csensits noted, “The beginning of the second half they came out and hit a couple of big shots, and it snowballed on us.”
Parkland’s defense tightened, effectively neutralizing Central Catholic’s standout players, including Cameron Hines, who led his team with 17 points. The Trojans’ strategy of forcing the Vikings into tough shots paid off, as they shifted the game in their favor.
As the fourth quarter progressed, Central Catholic attempted a comeback, employing a half-court trapping defense that momentarily rattled Parkland. A key steal by Di’Quawn Leaks cut Parkland’s lead to 46-41 with just over 5 minutes left. However, Parkland maintained composure, with Nassry and Kearney sealing the victory at the foul line.
This win not only halted Parkland’s losing streak but also demonstrated the depth of their roster, especially with two starters sidelined due to injuries. Coach Eddie Ohlson emphasized the importance of building chemistry among the players, stating, “We need to build a little bit of chemistry. We’re down two starters.”
Looking ahead, Parkland aims to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign toward the playoffs, with Beck expressing confidence in his team’s potential. “We played some really good teams out of conference… it gave us confidence that we can hang with the best teams,” he remarked.
Fans can expect the Trojans to leverage this victory as they prepare for upcoming matchups, reinforcing their position as a formidable contender in the EPC. The excitement surrounding this game is palpable, and supporters are eager to see how Parkland capitalizes on this much-needed boost.
