Decatur junior Javen Colbert was named a 4A all-state player by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches in his first season with the Eagles. MICAH MCCARTNEY | WCMESSENGER
Since his arrival at Decatur, point guard Javen Colbert has been a spark on the court for the Eagles’ basketball program.
In his first season, Colbert helped to lead the Eagles back to the 4A Region I tournament for the first time since 2021. For his efforts, Colbert was recently named a 4A all-state player by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.
“Honestly, I was really surprised,” Colbert said. “Usually for all-state, they give it to a lot of seniors or people that played at the state tournament. I was pretty excited about it, and it’s a good way for me to continue representing my team.”
Colbert led the Eagles in points per game with 24, and averaged 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.8 steals.
“I think I had a really good season, but there’s still a lot of room to grow and improve,” Colbert said. “We fought really hard throughout the year and made a good run… Coming into the program, my team didn’t make me feel like I was the new guy — they treated me like I’ve always been here with them, and welcomed me with open arms.”
Decatur (25-12) finished in a tie for second with Springtown in District 8-4A at 7-3 under first-year coach Robert Yeatts — Javen’s father. The Eagles won the coin flip for the second seed.
“As a basketball coach, we put in a lot of time trying to help and benefit kids,” Yeatts said. “But when it’s also your own kid, it adds a lot of sentimental value to it. To go through this journey of taking over a program, getting it back on its feet and establishing a culture with my son has been great. I probably didn’t sit back and watch like I should have as his father and embrace the success he was having individually — I was focused on winning and competing with the team… At times, it’s hard to be both father and coach, but I’m very proud of what Javen did this season.”
In the postseason, Decatur claimed wins against Gainesville (64-52), Lubbock Estacado (70-56) and Glen Rose (71-56) before falling to Canyon in the 4A Region I semifinals, 43-31.
Colbert was the driving force for the Eagles in their postseason run, averaging 35 points in four games.
“The playoffs were pretty exciting,” he said. “I haven’t been to the playoffs since my freshman year. I really wanted the run to mean something to our seniors and help to send them off in the right way… It was pretty big for me to have really good performances like I did, and to help lead my team to the fourth round. It was a great experience.”
With his senior year approaching, Colbert wants to use his experiences this year as a stepping stone.
“I want us to build on the successes we’ve already had,” he said. “Hopefully, we can make a run to state and end on top.”
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