Andrew Snyder - Plano Star - Saturday, November 22, 2008

PLANO - Plano Senior fans expect wins.

The Wildcats have had a strong athletic department for a long time, with such greats as Tom Kimbrough and John Clark at the helm. A histroy has been built up, a histroy that first year Plano head coach Phil Parlin expects his basketball team to contribute to.

"We know what the community expcts," he said "And what it will take."

In 2005-2006, the Wildcats won a state championship, setting the benchmark and culminating the program's consistent playoffs appearances. But two years followin the streak of six straight postseason appearances was broke.

"Six years in a row we made the palyoffs," Parlin said "And then last year we had nine wins and went 4-10 in district."

This year Plano is seeking to reconnect with the program's storied past. Enter Parlin, who is taking over for Tom Inman, the fiery coach that led the Wildcats to the state crown three years ago.

Inman is now coaching basketball and football at Arlington Bowie and his longtime assistant has taken over the helm at Plano.

This year Plano will be vying for a spot in the more inclusive District 8-5A, which has one less team than previous 9-5A and the same four playoff slots. Smaller though it is, the new district can still offer stiff competition from old rivals Wylie, Plano East, Plano West and Allen and from newcomers McKinney Boyd and Jesuit.

"We have a really tough district," said Jake Martin, Plano junior forward.

Parlin is still confidently focused and sure of Plano's potential.

"We're looking to get things turned around," he said. "To get back in that playoff run and I'm confident they can get us there."

Returning players on the team have already noticed a difference between this group and the last. They say that the Wildcats look fundamentally better.

"We have a lot better insight this year," said Dalton Sullivan, Plano senior point guard. "And a lot better perimeter."

Contributing to this improved outside game are junior guards Zach Robles, Brandon Bailey and Mukul Ramakrishnan.

Another aspect of thi team that is looking better is the general attitude of the club. This year the Wilcats feel a greater connection and commitment to one another.

"We work as a team," said David Thompson, Plano junior post. "We don't have selfish players, we have more team chemistry. Our team motto is 'a fresh start.'"

Thompson, Sullivan and Martin are the head of the team and helping to get inexperienced Wildcats ready for the coming district season, which begins Dec. 19 against Plano East. Communication will be key as will an awareness of the strong and weak points of the team and individual players. As Sullivan put it "we're trying to be more vocal leaders.

But the new guys are not the only ones being tested. Parlin has set up a rigorous schedule for his team in order to get them ready for their playoff aspirations.

"We've got a big challenge ahead of us," Parlin said. "We've got what I figure is one of the toughest schedules."

He named Cedar Hill, Dunbar and Duncanville as key upcoming competitors. Duncanville in particular is a pwerhouse; the Panthers won the state championship last season and are currently ranked No. 1 in the country and have seven players already committed to Division I schools. The Panthers will host the Wilcats at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdaay.

"Putting our team against that kind of competition makes us tough," Parlin said.

But it's difficult for Plano, which lost its season opener to Garland Naaman Forst 49-42 (Recap), to get fully ready for such opposition when they have to wait for the end of football season to fill up their roster. Still missing are seniors Rex Burkhead (guard), Ryan McDuff (guard) and Kris Lott (post).

The sharing of players is not the only way that the separate Plano teams are connected. They also share the same fans, histroy and momentum. If the football team does well it carries over to the basketball court and puts the pressure on teh Wildcats to continue the legacy.

"If you grow up as a Plano kid," Parlin said. "You understand what's expected of the Plano athlete."