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Marcus Smart averaged over 16 points and nine rebounds as a sophomore.
Photo by Keith Owens
Danny Henderson
2009-2010 record: 37-3, Texas 5A runner-up
Key returnees: Austin Bianco (5-11, Sr., G), Phillip Forte (5-11, Jr., G), Lucas Golding (6-5, Sr., F), A.J. Luckey (6-0, Jr., G), John Malone (6-8, Jr., F),
Marcus Smart (6-4, Jr., G), Connor Taggart (6-2, Sr., F), Jacob VanNattan (6-4, Jr., F)
Keep an eye on: Nick Banyard (6-8, Jr., F), Ricky Roberts (6-0, Jr., G)
Scouting Report: The Marauders reached the Texas 5A semifinals a year ago with three sophomores – Forte, Luckey and Smart – in the starting lineup. With a reinforced roster, Marcus is the favorite to take it a step further and capture the school's first state championship in basketball.
Smart is regarded as one of the nation's top juniors. He averaged 16.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game as a sophomore, earning All-American honors from MaxPreps. Schools like Baylor, Kansas and Texas have already extended offers.
Banyard and Roberts have caused a bit of a stir in the area with their transfers from Grace Prep in Arlington. Banyard has been cleared to play while the status of Roberts is in doubt.
The Marauders will hook up with Douglass of Oklahoma City for one of the season's first major showdowns at the DFW Metroplex Hoopfest Nov. 27. The Whataburger Tournament in late December will be another major test.
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