Coach Rick's All State 'Sportsmanship Award
5'11 Dennard Davis (Combine Academy)
We first watch Dennard Davis back in October, 2017 at our NC Junior Phenom Camp. At the time, Davis stood 5'1 and we were impressed with his high basketball IQ, ball handling and passing skills, but more importantly his leadership qualities on the court. As a matter of fact, we stated, 'Davis has a great understanding of the game and is also a great leader and floor general.'
Since then, we have watched Davis countless times in camp setting, travel ball and also at the high school level. One thing that has never changed is his attitude, disposition, and overall leadership, but more importantly his sportsmanship. From his middle school days to the present, Davis has been a model of consistency. He has an extremely mature approach to the game; rarely does he show any emotion and has always played with a positive attitude. He may at times be quiet in his demeanor, but has always showcased a team-first approach, a great attitude and outstanding sportsmanship at all levels.
Playing for coach Jeff McInnis and Combine Academy, we covered a home game against Liberty Heights this past season. In our write up, we stated the following. '5'11 freshman Kennard Davis is going to be a really good player; his time is coming. In Combine's win over Liberty Heights, 11 different players got into the scoring column. While Davis' name will be missing in the box score, one has to be impressed with his overall attitude and infectious smile. Splitting time between the regional and national team, the freshman Davis doesn't get a lot of minutes. That being said, we come away impressed .each and every game. We're talking about a young man that sees the big picture. He doesn't sulk or pout while sitting on the bench. He is engaged, energetic and always showing support for his teammates and when his number is called, he rushes immediately to the scorer's table. Once in the game, he is hustling and doing his best to make a contribution, whether it is making a defensive stop or making the extra pass to an open teammate. Trust me, his time is coming and is going to be an integral part of Combine's long-term success.'
For Dennard Davis, we have watched him time and time again. No matter the setting, no matter the venue, Davis has always demonstrated great sportsmanship on and off the court. Whether he is in the game or on the bench, Davis is one of the team's biggest cheerleaders. Davis is a young player with a big heart and the type of player that will extend an open arm and hand to an opposing player who may have fallen on the floor, which we have observed several times this season. Dennard Davis is what's good about youth basketball and our recipient of the Phenom All State 'Sportsmanship Award.'
