The 2011-2012 varsity basketball team has seven returning lettermen of their regional finals playoff team from last year. With a record of 28-6 in 2010, Coach Mark Murphy is beginning his second season as head coach with a scrimmage against New Braunfels Canyon on November 5.
This year’s returning lettermen:
- #4 Jordan Pratt 6’5 Forward Senior
- #2 Matt Gramling 6’2 Guard Senior
- #14 Gilbert Munguia 5’7 Guard Junior
- #20 Asad Kerai 5’10 Guard Senior
- #34 Jonathan Kaster 6’2 Forward Senior
- #40 Jaren Bradley 6’1 Forward Senior
- #52 Nick Garcia 6’3 Forward Junior
Jordan Pratt, senior forward, expects a huge connection with his teammates as the season begins. With the team’s height advantage and their small roster, their talent and work ethic will get them into the paint.
“[During the off season] we worked [on our] acceleration and conditioning. We have to be fit as a small team to run up and down the court. [My focal point will be] connecting with Matt Gramling, [senior] point guard and Jonathan Caster, [senior] forward,” Pratt said.
Pratt has grown up with the team, with his constant shoot arounds reflecting his love and seasoned talent for the game.
“[I’ve played with MacArthur for] four years, [even] traveling with varsity my freshman year. Pflugerville Connolly was huge that year, [and I] received playoff time, it was great,” Pratt said.
Pratt psyches himself up for each game with typical remedies to warm up.
“If I can I try to get heat before the game, Icy Hot relaxes the muscles. I [always] listen to music like Biggie and Tupac [to focus on the game ahead].”
Pratt’s has a personal rivalry with Churchill, where his competition used to be his playmates.
“My best friends Scott Mammel and Nate Woods are top guns[at Churchill],” he said.
With fans still saying the slogan, “Hide ya kids, hide ya wife, because Mac Basketball is coming for ya,” the team is well supported with their tip off in the coming weeks.
Jana Donovan • Dec 2, 2011 at 3:19 pm
I hope MAC Basketball continues it’s winning tradition! HOWEVER-CORRECTION TO YOUR STORY…Coach Murphy’s first year as head coach was the 2007-2008 season. My son Jared Abell was on the team. It was a rough season, only winning about 9 games. They worked really hard and turned it around the next year, with a winning season, leading to Coach Murphy’s first MAC playoff game as head coach against Pflugerville in 2009!