Prestonwood Christian Academy prepares for another strong run during the coming season after losing in the TAPPS 6-A State Finals last year. Coach Jeff Clarkson is entering his second season as the head man at Prestonwood and is a very familiar name in the Dallas Metroplex having played high school ball at Plano East, junior college ball at Collin County and finishing his playing days at Tarleton State in Stephenville. Clarkson has a wealth of experience in which to draw upon coming into the new season both as a player and a coach.
Clarkson began his basketball journey at Plano East High School in 1994 under Coach Steve Adair. While at East, Clarkson was fortunate enough to advance to the state finals in class 5-A (top division at the time). At 6’4”, Clarkson could shoot it with best and proved valuable in Coach Adair’s 1-3-1 matchup zone defense. “Coach Adair was the master at adapting to his team’s talent and skill level. He put us in the best possible situation both offensively and defensively to be successful,” Coach Clarkson commented. “He was such a big influence in my life as a player and a coach. He was always so consistent, never getting too high or low after a game.”
Clarkson teamed up with 6’4” John Perkins on the Panthers drive to state. Perkins later played for the Baylor Bears. “Nobody expected us to get to state,” Clarkson said. Top-ranked Temple was upset by Arlington Martin in the regional semis and East beat Martin in the regional finals to advance.
Assisting Coach Adair in his run to State was his fiery assistant Tom Quigley. “Coach Quigley really complemented Adair because he was not low key. He was so knowledgeable about the game and brought an intensity to our team,” Clarkson said. Quigley would later play an important role in Clarkson progression through the coaching ranks.
Following high school, Clarkson moved on to Tarleton State after two seasons at Collin County Community College under Coach Jim Sigona. At Tarleton, Clarkson continued to launch three-pointers and played for veteran coach Lonn Reisman. After his playing days concluded, Clarkson was ready for his first coaching assignment. Tom Quigley had taken over at Garland Naaman Forest High School and asked Clarkson to come onboard. Coach Quigley and Clarkson were faced with the arduous task of building a basketball program. As an assistant, the young coach quickly learned he had selected a challenging profession. Coach Clarkson finally got his first varsity assignment returning to Naaman Forest after one year with Tommy Thomas at The Colony. Clarkson left a strong impression on Coach Thomas during his season with the Cougars. “He was an incredible young coach with a great demeanor for the game. He is such a competitor and a fine individual. As good a coach as he is, he’s probably a better person,” Coach Thomas explained.
Success didn’t come quickly at Naaman Forest, as the young Clarkson paid his dues and built the program. Finally, in 2012, Coach Clarkson had the talent to make a deep run in the state playoffs. Naaman Forest advanced to state tournament pulling off a rare double for Coach Clarkson; advancing to state as a class 5-A player and class 5-A coach. Six-four DeMarcus Holland and 6’11” Prince Ibeh were keys in Naaman Forest run to the state semi-finals. Both players are presently playing overseas after nice careers at the University of Texas. Clarkson explained, “It was an incredible feeling both as a player and a coach, but as a coach you quickly realize how much is involved behind the scenes.” Flower Mound Marcus defeated Naaman Forest in the semi-finals, led by future NBA standout Marcus Smart of the Celtics.
Clarkson moved to Plano East, his alma mater, in 2012-13. The Panthers were loaded his first season at East, as they advanced to the regional semi-finals. Coach Clarkson may have had his best team led by 6’7” Zach Smith, who later played at Texas Tech. Smith was joined by Pat Birt and Jarvis Pugh. Birt took his talents to Tulsa following graduation and Pugh played for Santa Clara.
Prestonwood Christian came calling in 2018 and Coach Clarkson was ready for the challenge. Upon taking over the reins with the Lions, Clarkson lead Prestonwood to the 6-A TAPPS state finals. This year Clarkson counts on only one returning starter back from a 24-17 squad. The Lions have high standards once again, as they approach the coming season. Jacob Millhouse, a 6’4” junior, will play a critical role for Coach Clarkson with leadership and scoring. Other returning lettermen include 6’5” Gabe Collins, 5’11” Nate Galloway, 6’0” Ben Gipson and 6’0” sophomore Vince Sigona. If you recognize that name, Clarkson played for his father, Jim Sigona at Collin County. Prestonwood looks to transfer 6’10” Connor Redrow from Universal Academy in Irving to provide strong inside play for the Lions this year. “Redrow is really skilled and can face-up to the basket and shoots it well, but his real strength is with his back to the basket,” Coach Clarkson said. “Were excited about the coming season, we are going to be young and inexperienced, but as the season progresses, we look to be very competitive.”
Prestonwood will be challenged early in the season playing a tough tournament schedule. The Lions will be in the big bracket division in the Allen Tournament, Farmers Branch Tournament, the Mavs Fall-Classic in Frisco and travel to Orlando, Florida for Orlando Academy tournament. Teams from six different states have been invited to Orlando. Prestonwood will be a work in progress this season as Coach Clarkson tries to mold his young team into another state tournament qualifier.
