Marble Falls boys basketball begins season with new coach

CAPTION: The 2024-25 Marble Falls High School boys basketball team includes Brenton Liscum (front row, left), Isaiah Lazos, Roman Brown, Beckett Berkman; Thomas Valdez (second row, left), Jackson Trudeau, Carter Hughes, Noah Lyon, Cypress Neve, Tidus Willie; Garen Jones (back row, left), Kaleb Beilfeldt, Cameron Plumlee, Reed Lewis, and Marc Barrios. Courtesy photo

The Marble Falls High School boys basketball team will be coached by a Berkman once more.

This Berkman, however, has the unique experience of wearing the Marble Falls uniform and understands all that comes with being part of the program.

John Berkman, a 2001 Marble Falls High School graduate, made the lateral move to take over the Marble Falls boys program after being the Lady Mustangs head coach for eight years.

While Berkman looks forward to the challenge of guiding program, he also noted the team has plenty of players with talent, experience and leadership.

Top of the list is senior guard Tidus Willie.

“He’s a special talent for sure,” Berkman said. “I feel fortunate to coach someone as versatile as him. He’s a super strong athlete. He’s going to be our guy. I don’t think anyone is going to be shocked by that.”

And at the same time, Berkman said the key will be developing game plans that involve the roster.

“How creative can we be?” he said. “We can not be one dimensional with just (Willie). What I’m pleased with the most is his willingness to pass up shots at times in order to involve his teammates. As a leader of our team, it show a lot about him. He’s also willing to do the dirty work of playing defense and rebounding.”

Senior guard Garen Jones also is back for his fourth year.

“He can play inside and is every bit as athletic,” the coach said. “He gets up and down the floor, can get up in the air, is a leader for us with his athleticism. He can make plays. He’s been a lot of fun to coach. He can affect the game for us in a positive way.”

It’s hard to miss junior center Cameron Plumlee, who stands 6 feet and 10 inches.

“He can affect the game in so many ways,” Berkman said. “He also can block shots effectively.”

Sophomore Beckett Berkman, the coach’s son, has the court vision to make passes that put his teammates in good spots to make plays with the ball. And sophomore Marc Barrios is “very athletic, has a lot of growth. We’re looking forward to some good things from him as well.”

Senior post Noah Lyon also is expected to join the team. Berkman said he is getting to know Lyon, who is currently a tight end and plays defense on the Marble Falls football team. Lyon’s versatility on the football field translates well on the basketball court, Berkman said.

“You have to be an athlete to be a linebacker and to run passing routes and block,” he said. “He’s a strong body. He makes plays defensively. I see a spot for him in our scheme.”

Seniors Reed Lewis and Carter Hughes also are expected to join once their commitment to the football team ends.

Berkman has always emphasized playing defense to the point that if a player isn’t willing go all in on that side of the court, their minutes are limited. That hasn’t changed because he has changed offices, he said.

“A program isn’t used to my style of play,” he said. “The goal is to get them there. My guys better play defense. Playing defense will help their offense. Defense and rebounding is all about effort.”

Realignment didn’t make it easier for the Mustangs. They remained in District 24-4A with Burnet, Georgetown Gateway, Jarrell and Lampasas and welcomed Salado and Taylor.

“Lampasas has a ton of kids and Jarrell is always scrappy. Their coach has been there a long time,” Berkman said. “Taylor will be athletic and Gateway will be tough. Salado will have athletes. I expect them (all) to be a challenge. And I expect us to be fighting for a district title. We’ve had a great offseason. We’re moving in the right direction.”

The Mustangs tip off the season by welcoming Lago Vista in a doubleheader with the Lady Mustangs Saturday, Nov. 9. The boys junior varsity plays at 9:30 a.m. followed by the freshmen at 11 a.m. and the varsity at 12:30 p.m. or after the girls varsity game concludes.