Damarien Yates earned everything he got during his career at Fayette-Ware. Including his Mr. Basketball award. Yates, a 6-8 senior, was named the state’s top player in Class 3A this week during ceremonies at Middle Tennessee State University. He arrived on campus as a 6-1 ninth-grader, and the aches and pains associated with his growth made it hard for him to get on the court early on. But he established himself as a standout player as a junior and blossomed into a star this year, averaging 18 points and 15 rebounds per contest. He was the only local player among seven finalists to win the state’s top individual award. On Tuesday, the boys state tournament got underway, with Ridgeway, Overton and East all advancing to the semifinals early. The championship games in each of the four classifications will be played Saturday. And finally, spring sports are officially underway in Tennessee, and as always, we need your help in spotlighting our area’s best athletes. Coaches and stat-keepers are encouraged to send in their scores, highlights and top performers following each baseball and softball game, track meet and soccer, tennis and lacrosse match. Email jvarlas@dailymemphian.com or tweet @johnvarlas.
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“Underdog” averaged a double-double for the Wildcats in 2022-23.
By John Varlas
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