In a small town in East Texas with a population of approximately 8,300 residents, Whitehouse, TX is most recently recognized as the home of former Texas Tech star and current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes. East Texas is known for its football tradition where hundreds of players have graced an NFL uniform from the likes of Hall of Famer Earl Campbell (Oilers), George Cumby (Packers) and recently drafted linebacker Tyus Bowser (Ravens). But in a football rich environment 2018 McKade Marquis of Whitehouse High School chose to go a different route and will become the second player in 8 yrs in the city to sign a D1 basketball scholarship out of high school. McKade joins a small group East Texans to commit to a D1 program out of high school in the last 11 yrs with the last being 2015 Garret Thibodeaux (Robert E Lee – Air Force), along with 2009 Jacob Holmen (Whitehouse -UNT) and 2006 Damian James (Nacogdoches – Univ. of Texas) come to mind. The #77 ranked player in our 2018 database will sign with Sun Belt Conference program UT Arlington and McKade talks to TBB about his decision and what he can bring to the table when he arrives on campus.
“The coaching staff is wonderful and the campus is beautiful. It’s an environment that I feel I can thrive in and the team felt just like a family,” Marquis said. “When I went on a visit I loved the fact of everything being a walking distance from the classroom to the gym.”
The future Maverick talks about his relationship with the staff at UTA.
“(Associate Head) Coach (Greg) Young is someone I’ve known forever because of the relationship he has with my dad. He knows how to push me and knows what will make me tick,” Marquis said. “(Head) Coach (Scott) Cross is just a great coach. You can look at his record, accolades and success he has had as a head coach. The whole staff are full of good people and are full of energy. I’m excited to have the opportunity to play for them.
One quality trait Marquis brings to the table is his leadership and that is what he hopes to bring when he steps on campus next fall.
“I think I can bring some leadership to the guys on campus. Making sure everyone handles business in the classroom and bring energy as well,” Marquis said. “If we all are handling business and in sync it will translate on the court.”
McKade’s high school coach Brent Kelly also talks to texasboysbasketball.com about McKade’s leadership ability and what he has provided to his program.
“McKade has been on varsity since his sophomore year and he’s played a vital role in our team’s success. Last year he shot 42% from three and has been very reliable for us,” Kelley said. “He is a vocal leader for our team and holds himself and his teammates accountable.”
Marquis tells texasboysbasketball.com about his commitment to being the coach on the floor.
“I watch film on the other teams. I want to know the other team just as well as my team. We have a lot of guys that play football so I have to make sure those players are up to speed and know the plays,” Marquis said.
Marquis eyes sole possession of a district title for his Wildcats squad this season as they shared the crown last year with Nacogdoches.
“Our expectation as a team is to win a district title. We were co-district champs last year but I believe we have grown as a team and will be able to contend again this year and take it completely,” McKade said. ” I have been working hard in the summer, getting in shape, working on my body and improving my ball handling and defense. I’m ready to show my progress.”
Basketball is in McKade’s bloodline as his father is entering his 17th season as head coach at Tyler Junior College and his brother Mitch, who is entering his 5th season as assistant coach at TJC also played at Whitehouse, signed to UTEP after his playing stint at TJC in 2009. McKade credits his family for helping him be the leader and player he is today.
McKade is a high IQ wing that connects with consistency from beyond the three point line. His compilation of strong performances in July with Louisiana Roundballers grabbed the staff’s attention and put his name in our prospect board.
“I just want to be the best I can possibly be. Not anybody else but the best I can be as a player and that my motivation. As long as I’m striving for that, everything will work its way out.”
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Edited By: AB