BREAKING: Parkland High School’s boys basketball team secured a thrilling 54-49 victory over Allentown Central Catholic on January 13, 2024, at Rockne Hall. This win marks a significant boost for both teams as they gear up for playoff contention in February.
The Trojans, currently at 7-4 overall and 3-1 in the EPC, relied heavily on their outside shooting to overcome a challenging start. Star player Blake Nassry, who previously struggled to find his rhythm, finished strong with crucial points in the second half, helping his team regain momentum.
Parkland trailed early, with Central Catholic holding a lead of 16-9 in the first quarter. However, key contributions from seniors Tyler Beck, Jude Ruisch, and Ryan Kearney turned the tide. Beck, who scored a career-high of 19 points, ignited the offense during a pivotal second quarter that saw Parkland rally from behind to take a 27-25 lead at halftime.
“I felt really good today,” Beck stated post-game. “My guys had my back and had confidence in me. Anyone can score on our team.” His performance, including a vital 3-pointer that extended the lead to 37-25 in the third quarter, underscored the depth of the Trojans’ roster.
In the decisive third quarter, Parkland outperformed Central Catholic significantly, shooting 6-for-11 overall and landing 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Central managed just 4-for-15 shooting. Coach Eddie Ohlson expressed pride in his team’s ability to trust each other and find their rhythm after a shaky start.
The Vikings, now 8-4 overall and 3-1 in the EPC, initially seemed poised for a comeback, but struggled to convert opportunities in the final quarter. Junior Cameron Hines led Central Catholic with 17 points, but the team fell short as Parkland maintained control.
“They shot the ball very well,” said Central Catholic coach Dennis Csensits. “Once they hit those big shots, we were playing from behind.” Despite a strong defensive effort and a brief surge sparked by a half-court trapping defense, Central Catholic could not close the gap as Parkland executed flawlessly at the charity stripe in the closing minutes.
This victory put an end to Parkland’s three-game losing streak, a challenging stretch that included tough matchups against Saint Joseph’s Prep and others. The Trojans are currently without two starters, TJ Lawrence and Javien Porter, adding to the significance of this win as they build team chemistry moving forward.
With playoffs approaching, both teams are looking to refine their strategies. Parkland’s victory showcases their potential as they aim to solidify a strong postseason run. Coach Ohlson noted the importance of depth and resilience: “We need to build a little bit of chemistry, and this win helps us with our depth.”
As both teams prepare for their next matches, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and improving performance as they head deeper into the season.
