Photo by Raymond Link ’20 | Senior Guard Marques White ’19 holds the ball to waste time in the Hoopcoming game versus Hamilton on Jan 19. 2019. 

By Vipul Dua ’20

THE ROUNDUP

On the Monday before the basketball season started, Marques White ’19 sat down with head coach Mr. Matthew Hooten to discuss his decision on whether or not he was going to play basketball this season.

“So what’s it gonna be Marques?” said Coach Hooten.

White responded, “I brought my basketball shoes today Coach.”

Senior Marques White ’19, a prominent athlete on campus, made the decision to play basketball for his senior season.

White was a stand out player on the football field his past few seasons and is hoping to take his game to the next level.

However, the decision to play basketball this season came after much debate on Marques’ side.

He weighed out every scenario and with the encouragement of his teammates and friends, he made the decision.

“What helped me decide was my boys on the team they really wanted me to come out,” said White.

“I’ve known them for so many years and I’ve grinded with them, day in and day out, blood sweat and tears throughout these past three years so it only made sense to finish out my Senior year.”

White stressed the fact that his goal for himself is just to have fun.

“Obviously winning is a huge goal for all of us, but at the end of the day, I just want to have fun and enjoy the last time with my friends.”

Marques played a crucial role in the teams success last season. The team ended the season with a 24-1 record and were the #1 team in the state entering the state tournament.

With seniors graduating, White is the only starter left from last season.

His knowledge for the game and his experience playing at a high level is beneficial to the team according to coach Mr. Matthew Hooten.

“Anytime you have the opportunity to bring back somebody who was a starter on a team that last year went to the state semifinals it brings a huge level of experience and leadership to our team,” said Hooten.

When asked about Marques’ presence in the locker room, senior guard Ethan Smith ’19 responded with praise.

“In the locker room, he is a fun loving guy and continuously makes the whole team laugh and brings us closer as a team. He also hypes us up before games and steps up on the court when we need him,” Smith said.

As for football, White had interest from many schools.

“I have an offer from Army, but I am talking to a lot of Ivy League schools like Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton and UPenn.” said White.

White is currently undergoing the recruitment process for his Football ability. White has offers from schools such as South Dakota State, Army, Southern Utah, and most recently, Dartmouth.

Since this interview, Marques has committed to play Division I Collegiate Football at Dartmouth College.

Marques and the team emphasize the need for the Red Army to come and support the team.

“The Red Army support helps us so much and we want all you guys to come out and be loud,” said White.

The Broncos are currently 11-8 on the season and are looking to make a deep playoff run this season.