There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to the Public League as we enter the 2025-26 high school basketball season.
Is there a dominant team? Is there even a true team to beat?
Who will be this year’s Dyett?
How will the defending city champs, Kenwood, rebound from losing star Devin Cleveland to a prep school and starting a season with its third coach in as many years?
But there is one certainty: Marquis Clark is the best player in the Public League.
And there really isn’t any debate.
The Young point guard, who just committed to Tennessee last week, has been a fixture in player rankings and hype since he entered high school.
Clark quickly made a statement as a young player, leading the Dolphins to a sophomore city championship when he was a freshman. He’s been a steady force at the varsity level the past two seasons, averaging 18.6 points a game last year as a junior.
More importantly –– and to his credit –– Clark has been as good as advertised as an extremely productive scoring lead guard.
“I didn’t ever feel like I had anything that was coming my way or given to me,” Clark said. “So being the best player in the city means a lot. It’s very important to have that label. I play with a chip on my shoulder and I know I gotta do what I gotta do because there are others that want that spot. ”
Dolphins coach Tyrone Slaughter has had plenty of stars come through his program. Clark is another one to add to the list and one who he believes will contend for player of the year honors.
“He not only can put himself in that position of being player of the year, he warrants being in that position as he’s excelled at a high level to this point,” Slaughter said. “It warrants being, if not the frontrunner, a legitimate contender for player of the year.”
Clark is clearly aware of what’s at stake with one season to play in high school. The individual accolades will be more easily attainable with great team success. He has his eyes set on leading an improved Dolphins team, one that he believes can contend for titles.
“As a senior I just have to go out and have the best year that I’ve ever had,” Clark said. “It is important to lead my team to wins — win city, get downstate, hopefully a state title.”
Slaughter appreciates the talent. It’s easy to see Clark as a true weapon with the basketball in his hands, especially in the open floor. When he’s getting downhill and to the basket, he’s a force. He dissects a defense by changing speeds and getting to his spots with dribble penetration.
But Slaughter also recognizes the loyalty Clark has shown and his commitment to the process and to Young.
“What Marquis has also shown is the ability to stick to what he started,” Slaughter said. “He started at Whitney Young and he’s going to end his high school career there. There is something to be said about that in this climate where players don’t finish where they start. I think a lot of that [loyalty and commitment] start with his family instilling that in him, but it’s also his steadfast commitment to being the best he can be.”