Emmayus boys basketball head coach Steve Yoder knew before the season started that he wanted to challenge his team and play against good competition. Through the last four games, he has seen just that.

The Green Hornets came off their first ever trip to the Mirabito Stop-DWI Holiday Classic in Binghamton, NY, during the weekend in between Christmas and New Years with three losses in three games to top-level teams.

No consolation prize, their next game back last Friday night at home was against state-ranked Parkland. The Trojans led from the opening tip and cruised to a 63-46 victory at the Hornet's Nest in front of a large crowd in a matchup that fans may see in league and district playoffs within the next couple of months.

"There is a little frustration right now, but we've had a four-game stretch [against tough opponents] that is second to none," Yoder said. "We've got to keep it all in perspective. We're still 5-2 in the league and can feel good about that. But we're tired of losing."

Before this four-game losing streak, the Green Hornets had won four straight, against East Penn Conference teams. But the Trojans are a tough bunch to defeat, and look to be heading towards the top of the conference and district.

With height and athleticism in their favor, Parkland has several players that can score double figures on any given night.

Junior Devante Cross, who was the game-high scorer with 24 points, fueled the Trojans with nine of their first 11 points from the field in the first quarter.

"Devante Cross did whatever he wanted the entire night and he's a really good player," said Yoder. "I have to do a better job of preparing for him. I'll put that on me. But when we're out there on the floor, we've got to do a better job of making adjustments."

Sophomore David Kachelries did his best to keep Emmaus in it with a team-high 18 points, but Parkland's defense and rebounding efficiency just did not give the Green Hornets any chance of momentum swinging in their favor.

Junior forward Joey Polcynski, one of the Hornets' leading scorers on the season, was held to just six points. Senior Tyler Prescott added 10 for Emmaus.

The frontcourt of Sam Iorio and Kenny Yeboah combined for 14 points and 21 rebounds for the Trojans, who put the game out of reach with three 3-pointers from Justin Jones in the fourth quarter.

If Emmaus is looking to turn it around, it will have to do so quickly as the Hornets host Allen on Tuesday before a trip to another Pennsylvania powerhouse in Susquehanna Township awaits on Sunday.

The Green Hornets are still playing without injured guard Matt Kachelries, who they hope to get back within the next couple of weeks.

At the Mirabito Stop-DWI Holiday Classic, Emmaus lost its opening-round game to Wings Academy of the Bronx, NY, 72-42. Tyler Prescott scored nine points for the Hornets.

On the second day, Emmaus lost 48-47 to Westhill High School (Syracuse, NY). David Kachelries led Emmaus with 15 points.

Emmaus lost the ninth-place game in the tournament's National Division, 56-39 to Nichols High School (Buffalo, NY). David Kachelries scored seven points for Emmaus while Joey Polczynski had eight rebounds and five points.

Kachelries and Jacob Faust teamed up to take second place in the three-point competition at the tournament.