Damien Minkey, Lapwai High School

A fresh face on the Lapwai basketball team

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Story Published: Dec 17, 2008 at 8:42 PM PDT

Story Updated: Mar 3, 2009 at 7:35 PM PDT

By Jay Tust

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LAPWAI - After yet another success start to the basketball season, Lapwai is a proven winner when it comes to basketball. However, despite their track record, it's a fresh face that's carrying this team.

Damien Minkey plays on the Lapwai boy's basketball. However, if you look at your roster, one think will jump out at you. Minkey made the team this year as a freshman. A rare and special privilege.

"It's pretty unique here in Lapwai," said Lapwai coach Jack Yearout. "We've had some really talented freshman in the past like Andre Dumbell, Ricky Jones, to name a couple that have made varsity, so it is a really big honor."

But as his coach said, the reason for his quick transition to the varsity squad all started before he was even in high school.

"Coming in he had a really good junior high coach that did a lot of the same things that we do in our program," said Yearout. "So he came in ready to go."

Because only a few players have accomplished the feat before great expectations have been placed on Minkey.

"When your a freshman, your little, and everyone expects big things I guess," said Minkey.

However with the honor, being the youngest player on the team comes with some humbling privileges.

"It sucks, because you have to do all the work," said Minkey. "Take the towels and grab all the jerseys after the game."

But despite just getting his career started, it's hard not to look down the road and imagine the type of player he can become.

"I think as long as he continues to work hard and to work on his game I think anything is possible for him," said Yearout. "He can't be complacent and be happy with where he's at. For sure he can definitely improve and get better in a lot of areas."

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