The Parkland High School boys basketball team came within two games of playing for a PIAA State championship last season. It was a successful year for the Trojans, who finished the season with a 20-10 overall record and a 12-4 mark in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, winning their second straight District 11 6A title along the way.

This past offseason longtime head coach, Andy Stephens left to become the school’s athletic director. Longtime varsity assistant coach and former Trojan Eddie Ohlson takes over the program this season.

Ohlson enters his first season at the helm in 2023-24 with a ton of talent and experience from last season’s team.

Parkland brings back some top returning players, including EPC MVP Nick Coval, Luke Spang, Robbie Ruisch, Zaire Smaltz and Connor Johns. The Trojans will also welcome in newcomers in Jayden Thomas, Josh Pulver and Michael Toth. Thomas is coming back after an injury last season.

“We are looking to have a great year again this year,” said Ohlson. “We bring back an experienced group led by three returning starters, including four-year starter Nick Coval. He will have a bunch of help around him and we are excited to see Jayden Thomas back in action coming off a season-long injury last year.

“This group has worked very hard in the off season and has big goals.”

The Trojans fell to Pocono Mountain West in the EPC semifinal round last year, but then went on a run of wins, including three straight to win districts. Those wins in the district tournament came against Northampton, Freedom and Liberty, all as the three seed. They continued the postseason win streak with victories over West Chester Henderson and Garnet Valley in the PIAA 6A playoffs. Parkland lost 53-35 to Roman Catholic in the quarterfinal round.

With a majority of the roster and starters back from that team, Ohlson knows the Trojans are set up to make another run.

“We are experienced and have some talented players,” Ohlson said. “We just need to create more depth and have some of the more inexperienced players get up to speed with varsity play.”

Parkland’s home and season opener is set for Friday night against Spring-Ford at Parkland High School. Conference competition begins next Wednesday night when the Trojans hit the road to take on Allen.