In the final game of the Kaplan Jamboree Thursday evening, Davis scored the first six points of the contest and 14 overall, helping lead the Gents to a convincing 46-27 victory over Erath and established himself as a player to be reckoned with.
“I know what John can do, it’s just a matter of him going out and performing to his ability,” said CHS coach Derrick Boone of the senior guard, who spot played for the Gents during their 2011 district championship campaign.
“I know what my other returners can do, but there was just a question mark there as far as he (John) was concerned.
“I have confidence in him and his ability, but last year, I don’t think he was confident. Once he got his confidence up, he’s a factor. He’s one more that our opponents have to worry about.”
Davis drove the lane for a layup to start the game and then on back-to-back steals, he got two more layups to give the Gents a 6-0 lead with less than a minute gone in the game.
He added a floater in the lane later in the half and then connected on a pair of 3-pointers as the Gents jumped out to a 26-10 advantage.
“John is a thrasher and he can get to the hole real strong,” said Boone. “And he’s a consistent 3-point shooter. He has an all-around game.”
Davis, however, wasn’t the only player Erath had trouble with.
In fact, the Bobcats struggled against the entire CHS lineup.
“We are pretty deep this year and I believe everyone will contribute,” said Boone, who had 14 players see action in the opener. “And we’re going to need all of those guys because of the style of ball we are playing. Everyone is going to have to push and play solid defense. We’re going to be a lot more aggressive this year and we can’t do that with just six or seven players.”
That aggressive style of play was on display against Erath as the Gents forced countless turnovers in the two 10-minute halves.
That aggressiveness, however, was too much at times as the Gents sent Erath to the free throw line 25 times. The Bobcats scored 13 of their 27 points from the charity stripe.
“That’s going to happen when you have 95 percent of your guys playing football,” said Boone of his team’s foul situation. “They’re not quite in shape yet and they’re using their legs and reaching more right now.
“But, if we are playing my style of ball - up and down the court - I’ll send the other team to the foul line 25 times because with my play, I’ll get to the line 50 times. It will balance itself out.”
Overall, the Gents had nine players score in the 20-minute contest.
Danny Malbrough, Jeremy Thomas and Marcus Williams followed Davis with five points each while Jesse Harmon, Andre Mills and Tiron Foreman each scored four. Damon Malbrough added three points and Christian Davis scored two.
Erath was led by Titus Pillette and Jordan Lavergne with nine and six points respectively.
The Gents return to action Monday evening when they take on Barbe at 8 o’clock in the opening round of the Westlake tournament.
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