The Parkland High School boys basketball team just finished up the regular season and has clinched playoff spots in both the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 6A tournaments. Senior Matt Ray is a seasoned veteran on the team, one of a few that have varsity experience from last season. He is proud of how the team has played thus far and is excited for the postseason.

“I am very pleased with how the season is going so far,” said Ray. “Sitting at 13-8, we have put ourselves in the position to compete for both EPC and District titles. I feel this group of guys has learned a lot along the way and are really forming together as one. Since Nick and I are the only players from last year who played, the rest of the players had to learn on the spot quickly and get used to playing varsity basketball. I believe that this team has as good of a chance as any other team out there to win it all and compete at the highest level.”

The Trojans won both postseason tournaments last year and are looking to repeat this year.

“Winning both the EPC and district titles meant the world to me,” Ray said. “Last year, I made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Being a part of something bigger than yourself is truly a great feeling. I couldn’t have been happier for the seniors who were like big brothers to me.

“We also really wanted it bad for [head] coach [Andy] Stephens. As you may know, his brother died last year during the season. We knew that we had to win it for coach and help bring some light to his year. He has been such a role model and leader to all of us; it was the least we could do. I still think about the feeling after winning those games. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Ray may not be the team’s top scorer, but he does what his coaches ask of him and does everything he can to help give his team a chance of winning.

“Playing a team sport, you must realize that the most important objective is winning,” said Ray. “If I cared only about my personal stats, I picked the wrong sport. Last year my role was different. Whether that meant I shot three times all game or guarded the best player on the other team, I was fine with it.

“Coming into this year, I knew my role was increased. I realized that had to lead by example and become a captain for this team. If that means scoring 12 points in a game or diving for the loose ball, I will do it. I’ve always done my role to the best of my ability. This year, I just have more opportunities to be assertive as we lost many talented seniors. I have done my best to make the most of my opportunities presented to me this season.”

Ray feels that he has always had a sense of leadership to him and that was taught to him at a young age. He thrives when it comes to leading his teams.

“Growing up, my dad always told me to give everything my best effort,” Ray said. “So, I will bring my best effort in every basketball game I play. Every game, I play it like it’s my last. I will bring that nonstop energy and intensity that I show every time I take the court.

“I have always been an extremely competitive person. I want to win every game I play. I feel that I bring a sense of leadership to the court that other people look at when things aren’t going well. I never want to finish a game or season and feel a sense of regret that maybe I could’ve played harder. I’m not the tallest player on the court. But, I will not let that stop me from making an impact on the game and helping my team win in any way possible.”

With playoff season here, Ray wants to bring another title to Parkland, a school and program he has grown up to love.

“The thing I love most about sports is the playoffs,” said Ray. “The playoffs are the reason my team and I work so hard in the offseason. I love the atmosphere, the buzz around the game, and the importance of the game. Playing for Parkland has been a dream come true. It’s helped me make friendships and memories that I will never forget. I would never be the player I am today without my teammates that have been pushing me to be better my whole career.”