The Farmers [17-11 overall, 8-7 in district 6-6A] are in a must-win situation tonight as they face the Marcus Marauders [17-9, 7-7] at home at 7:30 p.m.. With only a half-game lead keeping Lewisville in in 4th place, a win is needed in the regular season finale to keep any playoff hopes alive.

Marcus took the first meeting, handing the Farmers a 74-61 loss.

Head coach Gary Collier said to win this time the boys need to play confident and hard for the entire game.

“We allowed them to get a lot of easy baskets and layups,” Collier said. “And we missed quite a few easy shots that I know we are accustomed to making.”

Senior Marcus Ash said he is very confident about tonight’s game despite the previous loss.

“We have to come out and play our very best basketball, because they want to make playoffs just as much as we do,” Ash said. “We just need to focus on the ultimate objective, as well as not only trusting in yourself, but in your teammates too.”

The Marauders have a very good offensive shooting team this year. Their top scorers include seniors Michael Mayhew [16.8 points per game] and Trevor Deeks [8.6 ppg], and junior Brandon Smithey [11.0 ppg].

“[Marcus’s] biggest strength is their perimeter players,” Collier said. “They are a good solid team, they’re not going to beat themselves, so if we win the game then were going to actually have to earn it.”

Senior Marquis Williams said he thinks having home court advantage this time will also play a role into tonight’s game.

“Playing at home makes an extremely big difference,” Williams said. “You have all your friends and family in front of you cheering you on.”

Collier agreed with Williams’ thoughts on home court advantage.

“I’m looking forward to everybody coming out and supporting the team,” Collier said. “It’s Lewisville Pride versus Marcus, and it makes for a very good high school basketball game.”

Marcus is tied with three other teams for fifth in the district heading into to Friday’s game, all with two games to play. Plano East is in third at 8-6 with two games left, leaving the possibility of as many as five teams tied for the final playoff spot after the regular season ends next week.