CARTERVILLE — One of the top high school basketball players in the region isn’t going far from home for college ball. Dawson Yates announced on Sunday night that he has signed on to play basketball at John A Logan College.
“Dawson is a great floor general that has the ability to score and get others involved,” says Logan coach Kyle Smithpeters. “I have had the privilege of watching Dawson play over the years from a young age and am certain his best basketball is ahead of him.”
Yates has received All-State honors the past two seasons as part of the powerhouse Pinckenyville Panthers and provided more than his fair share of clutch performances. During the 2019-2020 season, Yates averaged 15.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds for the Panthers.
“Dawson continued to improve in his four years of high school in several areas. His overall strength, athleticism, and skill set continued to develop because of his work ethic, his desire to lead the Panther Program, and his determination to play at the next level. John A Logan is a perfect fit for him,” says Pinckneyville coach Bob Waggonner.
“The greatest asset Dawson possesses is his ability to compete at a high level,” Waggoner continues. “He always played well in big games and never shied away from big moments. He is a proven winner and will be joining a great program. Coach Smithpeters has done an excellent job of recruiting Dawson. I am so proud of him and will enjoy watching him continue to improve at Logan.”
The newly-minted Volunteer will join a Logan squad that is in reload mode after losing the likes of NJCAA Player of the Year Jay Scrubb, as well as Eric “Boss” Boone, Trace Young, and five other sophomores. The cupboard isn’t bare; Sydney Curry and Jamarion Sharpe will anchor the roster next season in the post and guard transfer Mario McKinney Jr. (Mizzou) will be joining the ranks.
“Dawson is a player that we would have recruited whether he was from Pinckneyville or St. Louis,” adds Smithpeters. “He knows how to play and how to make people around him better. He will be a great asset to our program and John A Logan College.”
The Volunteers were set to make their first appearance at the NJCAA Tournament since 2015 this past March before the coronavirus wiped that event out.
