The Parkland High School boys basketball team, which won the District 11 6A championship last winter, has continued its successful play into the offseason. The Trojans, competing in the Lehigh Valley Summer League, have won five of their first six games overall and are in a tie with a couple of other teams at the top of the Big School Division standings at 5-1.

“The summer has been going really well,” said head coach Andy Stephens. “The kids are improving in every game. We are improving our team chemistry. There has been a lot of unselfish play and communicating and sharing the ball. The guys all have a great work ethic.”

The Trojans finished the 2022-23 season last winter, winning 20 games, including going 12-4 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, advancing to the semifinals of the conference tournament, winning districts and earning their way to the PIAA State Tournament quarterfinal round.

Along with a handful of seniors, junior Nick Coval was the catalyst behind the successful season, earning league MVP honors. Outside of him, Stephens mentioned that others have taken the lead on becoming team leaders and are showing that they can contribute at a high level for the program.

“There are many guys that are continuing to improve and get better as a player,” Stephens said. “To just single one individual out, Zaire Smaltz has made great strides this summer and is working hard to improve his game.”

In the last game last Thursday, Parkland defeated Exeter 72-61 behind 24 points from the leading scorer, Coval. With still a few more weeks of summer to be played, Stephens is excited to see his team get even better.

“I am just excited for the opportunity to be with the players and to see the guys improve every game,” said Stephens. “In regard to team chemistry and player improvement, these have been our biggest strengths so far this offseason.”