The Parkland High School boys basketball team was playing in its eighth district championship game in the last 10 years. None may have been more special or unique than this year’s.

After the Coronavirus pandemic delayed the start to the season and altered the normal scheduling of teams, the Trojans were grateful just to be playing any games at all.

“We were very happy and thankful to our Athletic Director, Bill Dreisbach, and our administration in getting us 17 games in this year,” said head coach Andy Stephens. “We know that wasn’t easy but we were able to make it happen.”

Parkland worked hard on and off the court to be able to play as many games as it could.

The third-seeded Trojans were right there in it in the end, but fell to second-seeded Allen, 58-51, last Thursday night at the PPL Center in the District 11 Class 6A final. It was the Canaries second district title in the last three seasons.

“Getting to the final was a great accomplishment,” Stephens said. “We came up a little short and our kids were very upset but it certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort or confidence. Our guys improved greatly throughout the year and we finished the season playing really solid basketball. But again, I’m very proud of our guys.”

Parkland (13-4 overall) found itself ahead, leading 49-45 with 3:16 remaining, after a layup by Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Lehigh Division Co-MVP, Nick Coval. But fellow MVP, Nate Ellis of Allen (11-4), put his team on his shoulders and scored five straight points, including a three-pointer to put the Canaries out in front, 50-49 with 1:55 to go. Ellis tallied a game-high 32 points.

Allen then made a couple of stops on defense and converted from the free-throw line to extend its advantage and hold on for the victory. The Canaries outscored the Trojans 13-2 in the game’s final three minutes.

“Allen, and in particular, Nate Ellis made some huge plays at the end of that game,” said Stephens. “Their experience was displayed in the final few minutes. They are a solid team for sure.”

Coval finished with a team-high 13 points. Senior Trey Rolle recorded 12 points, followed by junior Will Meeker with 11. JT Siggins contributed seven points, while both Jake Mclean and Matt Bauer scored four.

There are five seniors in this group, including Rolle, Mclean, Siggins, Jordan Lewis and Mason Bergstein.

“I loved coaching this team,” Stephens said. “They got along well and always put the team first. Our coaching staff will miss them greatly.

“We return a lot of guys next year. The seniors will surely be missed, but the guys will work hard in the off season and be ready for next season.”