Inexperienced could easily explain the plight of the 2008-09 Marquette Catholic Explorers. The team struggled to a 6-24 finish. Four of those six wins came in South Central Conference play (4-6). Leading the team last season was a freshman, Derrik Starrett, who was named second team all-conference a year ago.

"Only one senior that was a role player, two to three juniors as role players, two sophomores (one role player and one sometimes scorer). Team lacks upperclass leadership. Started a freshman (Starrett) in the post from middle December on. Played three contributing freshman consistently throughout the season," fifth season head coach Brian Diskin said.

In the upper class ranks, Cecil Brimmage (5'8" Sr. Guard) is back. Brimmage is well known for his football success, as a running back for the Explorers in the fall. "Fast and agressive, very tough defender on the ball." His senior classmate Brice Smith (6'0" Sr. Guard) could see some increased time in his final year. "Role player, can shoot the ball, strong and a decent rebounder." Travis Helton (5'11" Jr. Guard) is another upperclassmen that could see some more time. "Best overall defender last season, used often to limit the touches and scoring of the opponents best perimeter player."

It was the Starrett that shined at Marquette last year. The freshman, Derrik Starrett (6'4" So. Forward/Center) was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Explorers. "Best player on last year's team and has improved even more over the summer months. Strong and deceptively quick. A very effective scorer in the post, often over or through a double-team, as well as being a very good perimeter shooter."

Newcomers to the varsity program will be, Ross DeVer (6'0" Jr. Guard). "Had a good summer against varsity competition. Shot and handled the ball well." Tyler Moore (6'0" So. Guard), "played varsity last season but not as a starter. Showed flashes last year that he can be a significant perimeter scoring threat both on the dribble and with the shot." Dalton Halm (5'10" So. Guard), "Potential Point Guard. Smart player, great leader, great understanding of our system and has the respect of his teammates." Jake Coddington (6'3" Fr. Guard/Forward) could see some time in his first year of high school. "Very good freshman with a lot of potential. Competed well with upperclassmen at varsity team camps this summer. Quick jumper and has a very good shooting touch." Sam Scheiter (6'0" Fr. Guard) is another first year high schooler that could see varsity minutes. "Best ball handler in the program. Has great instincts both offensively and defensively. Quick jumper, penetrate, pass and score, and shoots the ball well."

With a 4-6 finish in the South Central Conference, the Explorers look to move up the standings despite their youth. "Piasa Southwestern won the conference last season and will still be the team to beat," Diskin said.

With a limited number of upperclassmen, the Explorers will once again be very young, but hungry at the same time to improve on last year's season. "Will still be young, but have more experience. Key players have spent a lot of time in the gym and have done a lot on their own. Should be competitive with the potential to win our side of conference."

Brian Diskin enters his fifth season as head coach at Alton Marquette. He has been at the school for nine years.

The Explorers won back-to-back Regional titles in 2002-03 and 2003-04 under coach John Ducey. Those two teams combined to finish 52-11. Marquette only has three Regional championships in school history, with the other coming in 1987-88 under coach Mike Waldo. Waldo won 87 games at Marquette from 1983-84 to 1991-92.