See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series

(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior captain Marquis Connell of the Chaska boys basketball team.)

How long have you been playing basketball?

I’ve been playing since first grade.

You’ve been on both sides of the Carver County rivalry, having played youth basketball with the Chanhassen program. How fun has this rivalry been over the years?

From watching the games on the bleachers in middle school, to watching it on the bench while playing on JV, ‘til now being able to play in the varsity games, it’s always given me an anxious/exciting feeling, and I am very glad I could be a part of a rare rivalry like this one, especially on both sides.

What’s your pre-game routine?

I always have to get my pre-game meal at Qdoba. Then, I usually chill in the locker room listening to music and talking to my teammates while stretching before the game starts.

Coach Hayes consistently highlights you as an exceptional leader and an “energy guy” on both ends of the court. What’s the secret to bringing such high energy whenever you are on the floor?

I think it’s just effort. I’ve put so much into this sport while being in-season and off-season. I don’t want to regret anything once I am done with basketball, so I leave it on the court. I think that also goes to my teammates. My leadership and energy bounces off to them, and once they feel it, we are a great team.

You are in the midst of an exceptional season.  What is the team’s mindset as we get closer to the post-season?

We want to keep pushing and becoming a better team each week as playoffs come closer. State has been our goal ever since open gym started. We know we have the talent to go far in the post-season, as long as we play how we are supposed to.

What are your plans for next year?  

Go to a four-year college, hopefully to play basketball or run track, while pursuing a physical therapy degree.

What does it mean to you to be a team Captain?

I’ve always wanted to be a captain on varsity. It brings upon responsibilities that I can handle and also being a representative of the basketball team is a privilege.

Chaska has two upcoming home games: Tuesday, Feb. 10 against Bloomington Jefferson and Friday, Feb. 13 against Orono. Both games start at 7 p.m. at Chaska High School.