Friday night was an opportunity for the Parkland boys basketball team to make history.

After defeating Freedom in overtime two days earlier in the LVC semifinals, the Trojans were on the brink of becoming the first boys basketball team in Parkland history to win a LVC crown with Liberty awaiting in the title game.

Instead, the Hurricanes jumped out to an 11-point halftime lead that was too much for the Trojans to overcome, leaving Parkland as one of five current teams without a boys LVC championship. They join Central Catholic, Dieruff, Freedom, and Northampton in that group.

"They knew that we were going up against a really, really good opponent," said head coach Andy Stephens. "We talked about it; they knew that we hadn't won leagues. But it wasn't a real point of emphasis."

"We have always wanted to get this with districts [and] with the guys we have," said Austin Beidelman. "It just didn't happen. We didn't play our game."

Since the league was created back in 2002-03, the Trojans have been in three title games prior to Friday's contest. Each time the Trojans have come up short in capturing that coveted crown.

Their latest championship game appearance was back in 2008-09 when the Trojans took on Liberty as well. That was Stephens' first season with the Trojans; Parkland fell 61-51.

The Trojans also lost in back-to-back seasons to Bethlehem Catholic (2002-03) and Whitehall (2003-04) in the LVC's first two years, leaving Parkland with an 0-4 record in LVC title games after Friday's defeat.

"You're always going to have that feeling in your gut when you lose a game like this," said Beidelman. "Liberty played a great game tonight and we just came up on the short end of the stick."

"It would've been awesome to be able to win with this group of guys [and] to be the first team after all the good players that have gone through Parkland in all these years," said Nick Rindock. "It just didn't happen. Liberty played a great game. We just didn't get it done.

The Trojans have been among the LVC's best in recent years, capturing division titles in three of Stephens' five seasons as head coach. And despite coming up short in their pursuit, finishing in second place in a competitive LVC is nothing to dismiss.

"It's always nice to win a league championship," said Stephens. "Of course that's what you strive for - leagues [and] districts.

"The bottom line is the kids are still playing. They have another opportunity [in Districts]. I'd much rather wear a silver metal than no metal."

Also in Stephens' first season, the Trojans claimed the District 11 4A championship. They'll look to make a run in the upcoming district tournament as well, beginning on Wednesday.

The Trojans' last league championships came as a member of the MVC during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons.