Allentown, PA - March 9, 2024: The Parkland High School boys basketball team remained hot, as they played in the first round of the PIAA 6A Boys Basketball Championship, by dominating the 10th seed out of District I, Plymouth Whitemarsh, winning 65-35 at home. Parkland set the momentum right from the start as Zaire Smaltz (24) controlled the opening tip and then took a pass as he broke toward the basket which led to an easy slam dunk. The dunk fired up his team and the Parkland fans. Parkland never looked back and opened a big lead for the majority of the game. Parkland's Jayden Thomas led the way with 20 points. Robbie Ruisch and Smaltz each had 17 points while Nick Coval contributed 11 points. Twelve of Ruisch's 17 points came from beyond the three point line. Plymouth Whitemarsh had their hands full on defense with Parkland having so many players who could step up at any time and hit from the outside. Plymouth Whitemarsh was led by Ben Marsico who had 10 points. Parkland will play next on March 13 against Chambersburg High School who defeated Central Bucks East. The below photo shows Parkland's Zaire Smaltz (24) driving to the basket in the first half.
