Davis leads Selma back home for final time
Published 12:00 am Friday, February 20, 2004
Coach Willie Maxey and his Selma High Saints charged through their area tournament last week in Montgomery.
As a result the Saints are rewarded with another home game Friday night as they host Opelika for the right to move on to the regionals.
If the Saints are to continue marching on, senior point guard Brandon Davis will have to continue his outstanding play.
Davis and his teammates earned the right for one more game at home.
They will host Opelika in the Sub-Regional Friday night.
The senior leader added that he and his fellow upperclassmen don’t plan on losing the last game they play on Selma’s home floor.
The latest in a long string of great guards for coach Maxey, Davis has had an outstanding senior season. He plays strong defense, can attack the basket, can shoot, pass and understands the game and he proved he can play through pain.
“Brandon’s name should definitely be added to the list of outstanding guards that have performed here in the past,” Maxey said. “Brandon has intelligent insight to the game. He’s capable of making great decisions on the floor.”
Davis is a prototypical point guard that can score or distribute.
Along with fellow senior, post Jeremy Carter, he’s a leader on the floor that can spark the Saints at any time.
“There has to be a leader in every situation in order for the program to function properly,” Maxey said. “To have an outstanding program you must have a strong point guard.”
Davis has certainly been that this season, averaging over 18 points a game. Playing beside some Selma greats in the past, Davis may have been overlooked, but this year he’s stood out and colleges haven’t missed him.
“I feel that Brandon has a great future ahead of him, he’s a very good academic student,” Maxey said. “He has raised the attention of several coaches.
Hopefully he will be in line as a potential candidate for all-state.”
Maxey, who has sent more than a few players on to college in his tenure, says Davis has the potential to play at the next level.
“If his play continues, he has an opportunity to play at the next level,” the coach said. “We are all putting forth our best effort to make sure he’s ready.”
One of those putting forth the effort is Davis’ father and Maxey’s assistant coach Foster Davis. That father and son have shared this season together makes it even more special.
The elder Davis says he has to be careful not to go too far.
It’s a relationship Maxey understands perfectly well.
His son, JeMarques Ward, plays for the Saints as well.
“To have our sons on the team, it’s very rewarding,” Maxey said. “We want to make sure they are part of an organization that they learn life skills.
It’s just been a joy to see the growth and development from raw talent.
We both have seen tremendous improvements in both our sons.”
The Saints, who lost in the regional round last year, face a do-or-die situation against Opelika.
If they want to fulfill their potential, they can follow Davis’ lead to the next round.
“I feel the team has the potential of going all the way,” Maxey said. “We have to have a little luck, a lot of skills and the blessing of the Lord.”
And having a great senior point guard won’t hurt, either.