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Quote Me, Howie: Phill Homere

"I can see him playing at the D2 level. But to get to D1, if he works on some small things, I think he could play at that level, too." -- Duluth Denfeld boys basketball coach Phill Homere on ultra-elite senior point guard Marnaries Ferguson

Duluth Denfeld senior point guard Marnaries Ferguson. Howie / HowieHanson.com

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Duluth Denfeld boys basketball coach Phill Homere on senior point guard Marnaries Ferguson: "The main goal for Marnaries is to continue to get better because the area teams know what kind of player he is. He's an electric, fast guard, so opponents will try different ways to find an answer to stop him. He has to continue to work hard. The kid is willing to do whatever it takes, at whatever time it is, and he's willing to get in the gym. He's always messaging me asking, 'Hey, can we get in the gym?' So I think that as long as he continues to work on his game – if he continues to get stronger – the sky's the limit for him.

He also has to keep finding different ways to make himself available when the ball isn't in his hands. Like setting off the ball screens and getting himself open because, sooner or later, teams will try to find ways to deny him and keep the ball out of his hands. I'm thankful to have a player like him on our team because he's a very respectful kid, hard-working, and willing to be the ideal leader. He pushes the guys around him to be better.

He's constantly trying to get guys in the gym with him, and I've never had an issue where he was either disrespectful or talked back. I'm grateful to have him on my team.

His biggest weakness is his size, something I told him he can get around as long as he works on his court vision. As a scoring point guard, I feel like this actually helps him a lot. I consider him a combo guard because he can play the one and the two. But at the point guard position, his quickness helps himsee so much more on the court. He needs to work on his vision because at the next level to be able to create for his teammates at times he will need to see things late.

He's always going to leave the defense guessing. He's a player who can make something out of nothing. Opponents can send a double at him, and he will find a way to split it. He's so athletic that sometimes you'll ask yourself, 'Whoa, did he just do that?' I rarely see anybody block his shot because he just elevates so high. He loves shooting at mid-range, and I think that's a good shot for him.

I also think that's a huge advantage for him to succeed at the next level. I can see him playing at the D2 level. But to get to D1, if he works on some small things, I think he could play at that level, too."

Hunters coach Phill Homere. Howie / HowieHanson.com

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Career 1K Scoring Leaders

Name / Points / Grad Year

1. Josh Reintersen, 1,880 (2020)

2. Sean Seaman, 1,626 (2001)

3. Marnaries Ferguson, 1,298 (current)

4. Matt Lien, 1,189 (2004)

5. Steve Birman, 1,144 (2007)

6. Andrew Laughlin, 1,139 (2012)

7. Bob Monson, 1,117 (1957)

8. Scott Morris, 1,076 (1998)

9. Mike Udovich, 1,052 (1985)

10. Armon Freeman, 1,050 (2020)

11. Ryan Krall, 1,047 (1994)