The Parkland High School boys basketball team had a successful opening week of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference portion of its 2023-24 regular season schedule. The Trojans were victorious in both of their conference matchups, both on the road. The week, however, did not end as good as it started as Parkland suffered its first setback of the campaign, in nonconference competition.

The Trojans took down Allen 71-35 last Wednesday night, Dec. 6, and then defeated Freedom 53-46 on Friday night. They were then downed the next day, 67-64, to Malvern Prep at home.

In the win over the Canaries, Parkland stormed out of the gate from the opening tip-off, taking a 17-2 run over the course of the first eight minutes and then led 31-22 at halftime. The Trojans put the game further out of reach with a strong third quarter, outscoring Allen 31-7. Nick Coval led the way in scoring with a game-high 25 points. Zaire Smaltz had six points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jayden Thomas recorded seven points, three blocks and three steals. Robbie Ruisch connected on four three-pointers for 12 points.

It was a little bit tougher of a game against the Patriots as Parkland found itself trailing 13-9 after the opening quarter and then 26-23 at halftime. The Trojans, however, rallied in the second half and outscored Freedom 30-20, including 15-9 in the final frame to come away with the victory. Coval netted 28 points and, along with Luke Spang, had some second half steals that helped their team climb back from their deficit. Spang tallied nine points and Thomas added seven.

The next day, Parkland competed in a showcase event at Exeter Township High School against the Friars. Malvern Prep was able to edge out the Trojans in the fourth quarter to hand them their first loss on the year. Coval once again tallied 28 points to pace the offense.

Parkland is home all week for both of its games it has scheduled in conference action. The Trojans hosted Whitehall this past Tuesday night and welcome Pocono Mountain West to Parkland High School on Friday night. The Trojans (3-1 overall, 2-0 EPC) are one of just five teams in the conference that are unbeaten, joining Pocono Mountain East, PM West, Liberty and Emmaus, all of which are 2-