Athlete of the Week: Damonte Bailey, Ponitz Career Technology School

Name: Damonte Bailey

School: Ponitz

Grade: Junior

Age: 17

Sports: Basketball, football

Claim to fame/honors: Team’s leading scorer (18) and rebounder (12); forward leads City League in rebounding and field goal percentage

Bet you didn’t know … I like to sing

Words you live by: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard

Toughest opponent: Myself because I can hold myself back

Biggest influence: My mom and great-granny

Game-day rituals: Listen to music and pray before each game

What’s on your bedroom walls? Basketball trophies and medals

When I’m bored I like to … be with my friends

Favorite movie: Stomp the Yard

Person who would play you in a movie: DeRay Davis

Favorite TV show: Fear Factor

Favorite musical artist: Boosie

I can’t live without: My family

I can live without: Homework

Event you’d like to attend: Grammys and the Olympics

Favorite book: Tear of a Tiger

Favorite home-cooked meal: Spaghetti

Favorite restaurant: Longhorn Steakhouse

Favorite smell: Fresh pair of new shoes

Favorite cereal: Cap’n Crunch

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Vegetable you won’t eat: Broccoli

I’d love to trade places for a day with … Steve Harvey

Whose mind would you like to read? Coach Pittman

Place where you’d love to travel? Paris

Talent you’d like to have? Singing

Favorite school subject: Science

Favorite athlete: Carmelo Anthony

Favorite team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite Olympic sport: Basketball

Something in the world I’d like to change: Homelessness

Favorite sports moment: When Odell Beckham Jr., caught the pass one-handed in the end zone

Favorite junk food: Snickers

Best thing about basketball: Being part of a team

In 10 years, I hope to … own my own construction business

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete's name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.

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