Marshall coach Travis Carroll's team has won 15 games and earned a No. 5 ranking in the Class 3A rankings. But he's not satisfied.
"We feel we have a lot of things that we need to continue to improve on," Carroll said. "Communication on both ends of the floor are areas we can improve on. We can do a better job of understanding the strengths of our opponents."
Carroll's caution might be because he knows the competition in Class 3A, Section 2 is brutal. Despite his team's success, the Tigers still are looking up at No. 2-3A Mankato East (the only team to beat Marshall this season). At least Waseca, last season's section champion, is gone from the postseason picture after it dropped to Class 2A.
Gone, but not entirely out of Marshall's path. The Tigers (15-1, 7-0) play host to Waseca (13-4, 6-0) in a Saturday matinee.
The No. 2-2A Bluejays, who lost in the Class 3A state title game last spring, are having another strong season. Three junior players lead the way with scoring averages between 18 and 20 points: 6-foot-9 Andrew Morgan (20.1 points, 10.5 rebounds per game), Ryan Dufault (19.1 points, 5.5 rebounds per game) and 6-foot-5 Kyreese Willingham (18.3 points, 4.8 rebounds a game).
Carroll is happy to be playing the Bluejays this week because Waseca will provide another top-notch test. But he'll be glad to not have to face Waseca in the playoffs.
"Waseca is a great team," Carroll said. "Regardless of their class, they are one of the better teams in the state."
Marshall, too, can claim that praise. And the Tigers' assets start with 6-foot-5 senior Noah Peutz, who produces at a clip of 18.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.6 steals per game.
Josh Baker (13.7 ppg) and Bryce Lance (12.6 ppg) supplement the Tigers' offense.