Easton, PA - March 2, 2024: The Parkland High School boys basketball team completed the "Trojan" sweep once again as they defeated Bethlehem Liberty 49-41 tonight to win the PIAA District XI 6A Championship. Last night, the Parkland girls defeated Easton High School to win the 6A title and two weeks ago, the Parkland boys and girls both claimed the EPC Championship. This was the boys third DXI title in a row. Seniors Nick Coval and Zaire Smaltz led Parkland with 16 and 15 points respectively while Parkland had a huge 4th quarter to pull away from Liberty. At the half, the score was close at 24-22 with Liberty having the momentum going into the locker room. Liberty then had a big 3rd quarter of their own, outscoring Parkland 12-6 while taking their first lead of the game. But, early in the 4th quarter, the Parkland defense tightened up and Liberty had multiple turnovers, which seemed to be the big difference down the stretch, while Parkland went on their run of 20-7. Liberty, however, wouldn't quit as they pulled within one point on a Caden Vermuelen 3-pointer with just under two minutes to play. Vermuelen and Jake Puksyn both had 10 points for the Hurricanes. Puksyn did run into some foul trouble late in the game which also became a factor. Parkland Head Coach Ed Ohlson said after the game that he was proud of his team and that he is looking forward to seeing how far they can go in the state playoff run. Both Parkland and Liberty will be in action on Saturday to start the PIAA State Championships. Pictured below is the Parkland team after receiving their medals and trophy.
