UPDATE: In a dramatic showdown, Parkland High School’s boys basketball team clinched a 54-49 victory over Allentown Central Catholic at Rockne Hall on January 13, 2024. This win not only marks a crucial turning point for the Trojans but also sets the stage for an intense playoff run as they navigate through January.
The game showcased Parkland’s resilience, particularly from senior Tyler Beck, who delivered a career-high 19 points despite early struggles from star player Blake Nassry. After failing to score in the first half, Nassry ignited in the third quarter, contributing 7 points to help his team maintain control.
Parkland (7-4 overall, 3-1 EPC) fell behind 16-9 in the first quarter but rallied back with a powerful second-quarter performance, scoring 18 points and taking a 27-25 lead into halftime. The Trojans’ energy surged in the third quarter, where Beck’s timely 3-pointer pushed their lead to 37-25 with just over five minutes remaining in the period.
“I felt really good today,” Beck stated after the game. “My guys had my back and had confidence in me. Anyone can score on our team. The team goes really deep.”
Central Catholic (8-4, 3-1) initially gained momentum with a strong start, but their shooting faltered in the second half. Coach Dennis Csensits noted, “They shot the ball very well…the number of field goals are probably pretty even, but ours were twos and theirs were threes.” Central Catholic hit 19 field goals, with 6 being 3-pointers, while Parkland sank 10 threes out of 11 attempts overall.
As the game progressed, the Trojans showcased their defensive prowess, limiting Central Catholic to just 4-for-15 shooting in the decisive third quarter. The Vikings’ comeback efforts in the fourth were hampered by turnovers that allowed Parkland to maintain their lead.
“Once we get the lead, I feel we can control the game,” said Jude Ruisch, who added 16 points to the Trojans’ total, including perfect free throw shooting in the final moments.
Despite Central Catholic’s late-game pressure, including a half-court trap that cut Parkland’s lead to 46-41, the Trojans held on, with Nassry and Kearney sealing the win at the free-throw line.
The victory ends a three-game losing streak for Parkland, which had faced tough competition during the Pete and Jameer Nelson Tournament. The Trojans are currently ranked No. 3 in this week’s lehighvalleylive Top 12 and are looking to build on this success as they adjust to the absence of key players due to injuries.
Coach Eddie Ohlson emphasized the importance of depth and teamwork, stating, “We’re down two starters…this will help us with our depth.” With a focus on building chemistry, Parkland aims to strengthen their lineup as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on both Parkland and Central Catholic as they strive for success in the playoffs. With both teams showing promise, the competition will undoubtedly heat up in the weeks to come.
