Following a tough season-opening loss to Allentown Central Catholic, the Parkland High School boys basketball team got into the win column for the first time during the 2020-21 season, twice. The Trojans defeated Whitehall in back to back Eastern Pennsylvania Conference divisional games last week to sport a two-game win streak.

Parkland beat Whitehall by scores of 56-25 and 52-36.

“The wins were important but I was more impressed with how hard we competed and played,” said Trojan head coach Andy Stephens. “If we keep that work ethic up, combined with improvement, we should be a really good team.”

Senior Jake Mclean, who has become a regular starter this season in his first season of full-time action on the varsity level, has began to find his groove. In the latest victory over Whitehall last Saturday, Mclean finished with 12 points, including two 3-pointers. Along with center Matt Rantz, Mclean has been a force on both the offensive and defensive glass as well.

“Jake has been really good for us to start the year,” Stephens said. “He has worked on his game and it’s paying off. I’m happy to see the results he wanted with his hard work.”

Freshman Nick Coval led the way for the Trojans Saturday, recording a game-high 16 points. JT Siggins tallied seven points and both Trey Rolle and Will Meeker added six for Parkland.

Parkland has two games against EPC favorite Allen this week (Wednesday and Thursday) before taking on Dieruff for two beginning with a road game Saturday.

“We’re looking forward to those games,” said Stephens of the match ups with Allen. “They are a really good team and we are anxious to compete against them. They’ve had a good start to the year and have some athletes, so it’s going to be a tough match up, but one that we are ready for.”

Through three games, with a delayed season, a postponed game due to COVID and a three-week halt to competition just before it even started in December, what has Stephens seen as a strength to this team?

“Team unity has impressed me the most so far this season,” Stephens said. “Guys seem to really like each other and root for each other. That should carry over to team success, and it has for the most part.”