Duncanville had it all last season: An undefeated record, a Class 5A state championship, a mythical national championship. Doing that again will be tough.

"Oh yeah, there's pressure," forward Shawn Williams said, "but it's nothing we can't handle."

Duncanville, fresh off a 39-0 season, is staying humble with all the new national recognition. Rivals.com has the team ranked No. 1 in its preseason national poll.

Duncanville also realizes that last season's success means a larger target for opposing teams to focus on.

"That's what our slogan's about," guard Brian Talley said. "It's us against the world."

"Everybody wants to beat the state champs," forward Kevin Butler added. "That makes us want to go out and play harder."

Williams and forward Roger Franklin are returning starters, and Talley was a part-time starter last season. Butler, last season's state title game MVP, moves into the starting lineup full time.

All eyes will be on Duncanville to continue its winning ways, but no one from the team is using last season's reputation as a pre-game advantage.

"What happens this year is not impacted by what happened last year. In this business, it's what have you done for me lately," coach Phil McNeely said. "Everybody at this time of year is 0-0."

Duncanville's formidable schedule includes two out-of-state tournaments and a matchup with three-time 4A state champion South Oak Cliff. Duncanville also will face Virginia's Oak Hill Academy on Dec. 19 at SMU's Moody Coliseum in a clash of national powers.

"We're ready for all of it," Franklin said. "All we can do is take it step by step, from a district championship to a regional championship to a state championship – and then maybe to national contender."

Damon L. Sayles