Beasts from the East?: Panthers unfazed by early-season hype for 2012-13

To gauge the preseason edition of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches state rankings, it's odd to see a team that finished last season under .500 break into the top 25.

Yet that's exactly the case with the Plano East boys basketball team, which sits at No. 15 in the state to open the 2012-13 season.

Any modicum of preseason Panthers' hype is falling deaf ears, however.

"There's a lot of talent on this team and I think that was evident last year," said Jeff Clarkson, East head coach. "I don't read too much into the polls, though. It's nice to be recognized, but we haven't done anything yet.

"We'd rather win a district title than be ranked in the TABC polls."

That district championship eluded the Panthers last year, largely in part due to a cluster of late-game struggles and narrow losses. The payoff from those growing pains, coupled with a returner-heavy roster and the infusion of Clarkson (who took over for Doug Bleadorn in March) has East on the upswing.

Clarkson has spent the preceding months implementing a defensive-minded system that looks to be the crux of the Panthers' approach this season.

"I expect us to be a really tough defensive team," he said. "Offensively, we want to push the ball, but we want to take good shots. We run a motion offense with some set plays, but most of the time I think we'll win games holding the other team down. I think our man-to-man defense will be our strength."

The Panthers also have a season of chemistry under their belts, with all but one returning starter back. Senior Marcus Mathieu headlines those returners as a steady presence in the backcourt. Leading the team in both points (10.9 per game) and assists (3.8) last year, Mathieu will be joined by senior Chico Morales, while juniors Trey Patterson and Matt Billings provide depth.

"We look for [Mathieu] to score a bit and run our offense and get us into what we need to get into," Clarkson said. "We want Chico to be our shooter, whether it's coming off screens and what not."

At the wing, senior Patrick Birt comes on board after transferring from TAPPS powerhouse Arlington Grace Prep.

"[Birt] has done a real good job," Clarkson said. "Friday, he had 21 points and had some really spectacular plays. He's never played a ton the last two years because the teams he was on were so talented, but he's getting a chance to really contribute and we'll rely on him a lot this year."

The East faithful will be a bit more familiar with the remainder of the frontcourt, primarily senior Sawyer Kipp, who enters his third season on varsity after averaging 10 points and 4.8 boards as a junior.

"Sawyer is really our one true post guy," Clarkson said. "He's a guy who can put his back to the basket and go score, but we have several other guys who are versatile and can fill multiple roles like (seniors) Xavier Smith and David Havala."

Senior Jarvis Pugh and junior Zach Smith will provide similar length as the Panthers continue to find the right mix of a rotation going forward.

Despite the bevy of returners, Clarkson said he's still experimenting with the starting lineup and looks to continue to do until District 10-5A play gets underway. The dividends included double-digit wins over Coppell and St. Marks. Early on, defense has been East's strong suit while Clarkson added that strides need to be made in shot selection and ball control.

"Some things are better than others," he said. "We're defending pretty well but offensively we're still struggling a bit. I think it just takes a bit longer to get accustomed with the things we're asking them to do and the defense tends to come along a bit quicker."

So long as those kinks are ironed out by 10-5A, it'll be right on schedule for East.

"I don't think there is any doubt this team can compete for a district championship, and that's our goal going into district this year," Clarkson said. "I think this team has a chance to do well in district and, if we can do that, then we'll be ready for the playoffs."

For continued news and coverage on the local sports scene, follow @MWelchSCN on Twitter.

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