4. Yates (Houston, Texas)
Head coach: Greg Wise
2008-2009 record: 34-1, Texas Class 4A state champions
Key returnees: Alexander Davis (6-9, Sr., F), Darius Gardner (5-10, Sr., G), Marshall Lange (6-0, Sr., G), Brandon Peters (6-1, Sr., G), Joseph Young (6-2, Sr., G, Providence).
Keep an eye on: Elton Roy (6-2, Sr., G), Clyde Santee (6-6, So., F)
Scouting Report: The Lions return all five starters and 11 lettermen from a squad that was simply dominant in claiming the Texas 4A title a year ago, racking up 94 points per game and topping the 100-point mark 13 times. Yates used end-to-end pressure to drill opponents in the postseason by an average of over 30 points per game and won its last 24 contests.
“We are very deep and dress out 15 players,” Wise said. “We try to be relentless not only on the defensive end but the offensive end, as well.” Gardner, who Wise calls “the best leader I’ve ever had,” Peters and Young are capable of going big in the scoring column on any given night, while Davis brings a tremendous wingspan and aggression around the basket. The Iolani Classic in Hawaii and the T-Mobile Invitational in December will give the Lions a chance to showcase their fan-friendly style of play on the national stage. “We feel like we are the best team in the country. That is our mindset,” Wise said. “We want go out every night and not only beat teams, but beat teams decisively.”
