Fred Smith’s basketball legacy at Briarcrest is set in stone. D.J. Okoth is still carving his own niche at Bartlett.

But both can call themselves Mr. Basketball.

Smith and Okoth were honored with the state’s top individual prize this week at MTSU’s Tucker Theater. It’s the second-straight award for Smith who led the Saints to the Division 2-AA state championship with a victory against John Paul II. Okoth, a sophomore, is the first winner in Bartlett history, and he’ll lead the Panthers at next week’s Class 4A state tournament.

Bartlett’s girls also made it to state this season, beating a good Bearden team to advance to the semifinals. They were joined by Collierville, who suffered through a bad day at the office in their first tournament game in 37 years.

And as always, we need your help in recognizing our top prep athletes. Coaches and stat-keepers can send in their scores, highlights and top performers from each game either by emailing jvarlas@dailymemphian.com or on X @johnvarlas.

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Briarcrest outlasts Pope John Paul II for state title By John Varlas

Bartlett holds off late Bearden charge, advances to 4A semis By John Varlas

Collierville falls to Blackman in Class 4A quarters By John Varlas

Whitehaven finds new head football coach By John Varlas

Memphis FC names Daniel Ridenhour head coach By John Varlas

Standouts from Briarcrest, Bartlett voted Player of the Week By John Varlas

Briarcrest survives four-overtime battle to advance to title game By John Varlas

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