Parkland High School boys basketball head coach Andy Stephens will have many different ways of making a lineup this year during the 2021-22 season. With height ranges and different skill sets across the board at different positions, there are many lineups that Stephens can use out on the court.

“We have a lot of different ways we can play,” said Stephens. “We can go bigger or smaller or quicker. This team has a terrific work ethic and team chemistry and there is a lot of leadership throughout the roster.”

The Trojans qualified for both the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 playoffs last season, playing in the district final before falling to Allen. Parkland finished its season 13-4 overall and 10-2 in the EPC, with the season playing a condensed number of games due to the pandemic. They were co-EPC divisional champions with the Canaries.

Back from that team are upperclassmen and returning contributors Nick Coval, Matt Bauer, Matt Rantz and Will Meeker. Some newer and more inexperienced players that Stephens will look to for support include Matt Ray, Kharan Joshi, Jesse Ruisch and Dahlir Adams.

“There are some new faces that will be in the lineup, so they will take a little time to adapt to varsity basketball,” Stephens said. “They are all working hard though and learning well so I think it will come sooner rather than later for them.”

Parkland begins its regular season on Saturday, Dec. 11, in a nonconference game at Lower Merion. The Trojans then open league play three days later, that Tuesday, at Northampton, a team that they defeated in the district semifinals last season. The home opener is set for Friday, Dec. 17, against Nazareth.

“I am really excited and optimistic about this season,” said Stephens. “We will challenge ourselves, as our nonleague schedule is very tough, but I feel like this will pay dividends in the long run. The key is to work hard and have great practices, and stay healthy as always.”