Parkland High School’s boys basketball team secured a hard-fought victory against Whitehall, winning 48-44 on February 2, 2024, during a packed Hall of Fame Night at Whitehall. The Trojans, under the guidance of coach Eddie Ohlson, have now triumphed in four consecutive games and seven of their last eight, positioning themselves strongly for the upcoming Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) tournament.
The game was marked by a dramatic back-and-forth, with both teams showcasing fierce competitiveness. Parkland entered the contest with a record of 13-5, including 12-1 in the EPC, and they needed every bit of grit to overcome a Whitehall squad eager to avenge an earlier loss. Ohlson expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle the impending snowstorm, stating that a few days of rest might be beneficial as they prepare for a busy schedule ahead.
Parkland’s next games include a matchup against Allentown Central Catholic on February 6, followed by Emmaus and Imhotep in the upcoming days. Ohlson emphasized the importance of rest, noting, “I’m not an old-school coach. I think rest is just as important as practice.”
The Trojans took a slim lead into halftime, 23-17, but found themselves challenged in the third quarter. Whitehall, driven by Talon Dogmanits, launched a 10-0 run to take a 40-37 lead with just six minutes remaining. However, Parkland rallied, taking control in the final minutes with a key block from Ryan Kearney and clutch free-throw shooting from Blake Nassry, who finished with 21 points.
Nassry’s performance was instrumental, particularly during the decisive moments. After a three-pointer from Nassry sparked a comeback, his free throws in the closing seconds sealed the victory. Ohlson noted the necessity of finishing games, saying, “We’ve been talking a lot over the past couple of weeks about finishing games, finishing defensive possessions.”
Kearney highlighted the significance of his defensive play, stating, “I try to get one or two blocks a game. My role is to grab rebounds, play good defense, and then score when I have the opportunity.”
Despite the loss, Whitehall showed determination and resilience. The Zephyrs, now standing at 8-11 overall and 6-7 in the EPC, are vying for a playoff spot amidst stiff competition. Coach Ohlson acknowledged the challenge posed by Whitehall, stating, “It’s never easy here. I am happy with the effort, and since it’s never easy here, I am happy with the win.”
Looking ahead, Parkland aims to maintain their momentum as they approach the EPC tournament set to begin on February 6. The team has not suffered a league defeat since their opening game against Allen, showcasing a remarkable turnaround.
In other EPC action on the same night, Northampton defeated Liberty 41-30, while Nazareth continued their winning streak, overpowering Bethlehem Catholic 50-25. Pocono Mountain West also secured a decisive victory, defeating East Stroudsburg North 60-20, further solidifying their position in the standings.
As the regular season draws to a close, teams are racing to secure their playoff berths, making each game increasingly crucial. Parkland’s recent performance, coupled with their strategic focus on both practice and rest, could play a pivotal role in their pursuit of a championship title.
