Konkrete Again: Walakovits Hits 1K as Northampton Repeats in EPC Thriller
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | February 12, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus
When the stage is the PPL Center and the banner says championship, everything feels amplified.
Top-seeded Parkland and defending champion Northampton met Thursday night with more than a trophy at stake. It was pride. It was revenge. It was legacy.
And it turned into a heavyweight fight.
Northampton struck first. The Konkrete Kids controlled the early tempo, building a 16–11 edge after one behind steady execution and patience in the halfcourt. Brady Simock helped set the tone, working inside and finishing through contact on a spin-and-score that energized the Trojan Pack early.
Parkland didn’t flinch.
Late in the second quarter, the Trojans found rhythm from deep. Jude Ruisch buried a three from the top of the key during a crisp ball-movement sequence, part of a four-triple night for the sharpshooter. Still, Northampton held a 31–23 advantage at the break, leaning on defense and second-chance opportunities.
Then came the swings.
With less than a minute remaining and Parkland trailing, Blake Nassry attacked the baseline, absorbed contact, and converted the three-point play to give the Trojans a 49–48 lead, their first in the closing stretch. The momentum inside the arena shifted in an instant.
But championship teams respond.
Moments later, Noah Walakovits followed his own miss and finished through traffic to put Northampton back on top 50–49. It was fitting. Earlier in the third quarter, Walakovits quietly reached another milestone — the 1,000th point of his career in the same game he would eventually be named Tournament MVP.
He finished with 23 points, leading all scorers, and once again proved why he’s the engine of this program.
Parkland had one final look, but Northampton’s defense held firm. When the horn sounded, the Konkrete Kids had secured a 52–49 victory and a second straight EPC championship.
For Parkland, Ruisch’s 12 points on four threes and Nassry’s late-game heroics kept them within striking distance all night. The Trojans showed poise and grit, pushing the defending champs to the brink.
But this night belonged to Northampton.
Beyond the hardwood, the championship was once again elevated by Lehigh Valley Health Network, a proud partner of the EPC and a consistent supporter of student-athletes and championship experiences across the region. Their continued commitment helps make nights like this possible.
Northampton leaves Allentown with hardware.
Walakovits leaves with history.
And the Konkrete Kids leave knowing they’re still the standard in the EPC.
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter / X
YouTube
