When Will Stearns was very young, his mom, Carol, noticed something.

Instead of using his left arm to reach for nearby toys, Stears would reach completely over his body to pick them up with his right. The news was bad — Stearns has cerebral palsy, which effects the left side of his body and was the result of a stroke suffered in utero.

But while not ideal, Stearns is thriving. So much so that he’s competing at Spring Fling this week with his tennis doubles partner at ECS, Wilson Baker. Tennis is the ideal sport for someone with Stearns’ limitations and he comes by it naturally; his older brother Walker is one of the most decorated tennis competitors in Shelby County history. And this year, the eighth-grader is upholding the family’s tradition.

Stearns is just one of dozens of local athletes shining at the season-ending spring sports championships in Murfreesboro. Titles will be awarded in baseball, soccer, softball, tennis and track and field and, as usual, athletes from Shelby County are front and center.

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Despite physical limitations, this ECS eighth grader is upholding the family tradition while making his own name.

Conner McKnatt has the big hit before Sammy Chapman closes the door on Goodpasture’s championship reign. By John Varlas

Sophomore right-hander strikes out eight while putting the Dragons in an advantageous position and Northpoint gets a big day from K.L. Farr to reach its third straight D2-A final. By John Varlas

CBHS senior sprinter Jaxon Hammond sets personal bests in winning both the 100- and 200-meter dashes. By John Varlas

A loss to Chattanooga Baylor drops the Tipton-Rosemark Academy Rebels into the losers bracket. By John Varlas

The Lynx posted its 15th clean sheet of the season, and will play for its third championship in program history Thursday at 6:30 p.m. By John Varlas

Youthful Panthers received the message their coach sent following a loss in last week’s region title game. By John Varlas

It’s tough to repeat, but the Lynx and Dragons got the job done on the final day of team competition at Adams Tennis Center at Old Ford. By John Varlas

MUS, Collierville’s boys and Houston’s girls will also play for team championships Wednesday at Adams Tennis Center at Old Fort. By John Varlas

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