Early look: Fayette Ware Wildcats
The Fayette Ware Wildcats are looking to avenge themselves from last season’s sectional loss at Haywood. The loss left a bad taste in Fayette Ware’s mouth. I sat in on the Wildcats’ open gym session on Wednesday. Here are 4…
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Continue ReadingThe Fayette Ware Wildcats are looking to avenge themselves from last season’s sectional loss at Haywood.
The loss left a bad taste in Fayette Ware’s mouth.
I sat in on the Wildcats’ open gym session on Wednesday.
Here are 4 takeaways:
Freeman will need to lead
Junior point guard Tacarien Freeman played well enough against the Tomcats in the sectional game a season ago to put Fayette Ware in position to get to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Heading into the 2023 season, Freeman is going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder.
He was warming up offensively on Wednesday, making shots from 3-point range, which wasn’t seen much last season. A respectable jump shot from Freeman – to go along with his passing ability – will make him a viable threat as he’s already proven that he’s capable of getting into the lane and finishing at the rim.
Stevens will need to be the energy guy
Junior forward Tarecous Stevens had his moments last season, showcasing his ability to contest shots at the rim and rebound. The 6-foot-6 forward is looking to expand his game in 2023. In open runs with his teammates, he made shots from the perimeter and took defenders off the dribble.
The strides he has seemed to made in the offseason will have to carry into the regular season, since he’s the only prospect on the roster close to duplicating a small portion of what last season’s TSSAA Division 1 Class 3A Mr. Basketball winner Damarien Yates did on both ends of the floor.
If Stevens can average somewhere close to 14 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks a game, it will be a successful season for him and a plus for the program.
Side note: Senior forward DeVaurius Chearis will help with rebounding and shot-altering.
Hayes and Jones will help with spacing
Senior guards Jeremiah Hayes and Eric Jones will provide the proper spacing Tacarien Freeman Tacarien Freeman 5'10" | PG Fayette Ware | 2025 State TN will need to penetrate into the paint. Jones is Fayette Ware’s best 3-point shooter. Hayes is a good shooter as well and has expanded his shooting to the 3-point line. The comfort seems to be there after making a handful on Wednesday. Hayes has also been taking the initiative of pushing the basketball up the floor and getting the team in its offense. He’s been a lot louder on the floor as well. It’s obvious Hayes sees the opportunity for himself to show he can do more than knock down a high clip of mid-range jump shots.
Two freshmen will be in the rotation
Wildcats head coach Demarius Chearis will have two freshmen coming off the bench this upcoming season. Hunter Malena and Elijah Lowe give Fayette Ware depth at the guard spot. Malena can make shots from 3-point range. Lowe looks to have more upside between the two. He’s more crafty with the basketball. Lowe is a reliable scorer as well. He showed flashes of his passing ability on Wednesday. The great thing is that neither prospect will have a lot of responsibility to lead this team, but both will have to be productive coming off the bench when the starters need rest.
Side note: Senior guard Arnez Bryant is another piece for Chearis to use off the bench. He’s not as talented as the two freshmen, but his ability to deflect passes and push the ball in transition are a plus for a Fayette Ware team looking to play fast.