Height is a valuable commodity in the game of basketball.

The Parkland Trojans certainly have a lot of that. All five starters for the Trojans during their summer season are listed at 6-3 or taller, including Sam Iorio, a 6-6 rising-sophomore who is just 15 years old and can play either forward position or center.

During last week's Lehigh Valley Summer Basketball League game against rival Emmaus, Iorio lived up to the hype he's been receiving even as an underclassman. He finished with a game-high 17 points as the Trojans (6-0) trounced Emmaus (4-2) last Thursday, 62-32, at Allen High School's Sewards Gymnasium.

"This past season really helped me grow," Iorio said. "Our past seniors this year were tremendous leaders, and they showed me the ropes and what it took to become a varsity player. It really helped me out."

Following a putback bucket from Iorio that doubled the Trojans' lead in the first half, 26-13, the Hornets went on a 9-2 run that stretched into the early going of the second half to make it a six-point game.

But after that initial bucket from Emmaus guard David Kachelries to open the second half, the Trojans put together a statement that closed the door on the Hornets in a matter of minutes. Right in the middle of their impressive 18-0 stretch was Iorio.

Iorio drained a three-pointer from the left wing to push the Trojans' lead back to nine, and Kenny Yeboah's bucket increased the lead to double digits once again. Iorio then scored three straight. Jack Dreisbach nailed a three-pointer made it 39-22, and back-to-back buckets from Devante Cross nearly doubled the Hornets up again, this time 43-22.

"We're playing well because it's all a lot of us young players who played together when we were younger," Iorio said. "It's mostly juniors and sophomore this year, so it will be a good mix. It's going to be fun.

"We're athletic and we could really push the ball up the floor. Last year we were more of a disciplined team, but this year we're really going to look to run."

Iorio closed out the run by hitting a three-pointer from the left wing, nearly the same spot where he started the spurt. His ability to knock down the three-point shot and extend defenses has given teams nightmares on the court. Even at 6-6, he's very capable of hitting the outside shot. He hit three treys against the Hornets.

"I have my own trainer, and we work on ball handling, shooting and lifting," Iorio said. "We do every skill."

Yeboah scored 10 for the Trojans, while Kevin Dulorie tallied nine and Dreisbach added seven.

Kachelries paced the Hornets with 16.

Results of Tuesday's game against Central Catholic were unavailable when the Press went to print. The Trojans have a bye on Thursday before retuning to action on Tuesday (June 24) against Dieruff. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. at Cedar Beach's Court 1.