Thornton Academy senior Will Davies was named Mr. Basketball by the Maine Association of Basketball Coaches March 10. His Dad, Bob Davies, won the honor as an Old Orchard Beach High School senior in 1994. Tammy Wells Photo
SACO — Thornton Academy senior Will Davies said he does not remember a time when he did not play basketball.
That seems to be a theme in his family – his father Bob Davis played in high school and remains heavily involved with the game.
“I always had a basketball in my hand,” said Bob Davies. “I might have been born with one in my hand.”
Will, 17, was named Mr. Basketball for 2023 by the Maine Association of Basketball Coaches at an awards banquet in Bangor on March 10.
Bob, 47, was named Mr. Basketball in 1994 when he was a senior at Old Orchard Beach High School. These days, he is an algebra teacher at TA, and also coaches — yes — basketball.
Will remembers playing basketball with his brother Tyler and friend Cam Cote on the stage when he was just a little guy and his father was out on the floor, coaching players.
“It was pretty cool,” he said.
In fact, Bob Davies was his son’s coach this year.
“We think the same way,” said Will, which he said can be a definite asset during a game.
Will is the first Thornton Academy player to be named Mr. Basketball, and he and his father are the first father-son duo to be so named.
Maine’s 2023 Mr. Basketball Will Davies, left and his father, Bob Davies, Mr. Basketball in 1994 demonstrate a bit at Thornton Academy gym on a recent day. Will is a TA senior; his father was an Old Orchard Beach senior when he was named Mr. Basketball. Tammy Wells Photo
Will, a 6-foot, 3-inch point guard, averaged 20.4 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game in leading the Trojans to a 15-3 regular season and a trip to the AA South Finals before losing to eventual state champion South Portland, MABC said in a news release.
The selection of Mr. and Miss Basketball are made by a five-member MABC committee made up of three media members and two retired coaches. This year’s Miss Basketball is Lizzy Gruber of Gardiner High School.
Nominations for the award are made by coaches, who can each submit up to 10 names, and there is a stipulation a coach cannot nominate one of their own players. From the nominations, the selection committee whittles the numbers down to two eventual winners.
The winners are senior players who have exhibited outstanding skill, made a significant impact to their team, demonstrated respect for the game through leadership on and off the court, epitomized the values of sportsmanship and been a positive school and community citizen, the MABC said.
Bob said he likes the competition and the camaraderie, and that players rely on teammates and teamwork to get the job done.
“Winning is fun and it goes along with the competition,” he said. “But sometimes you learn a lot when you lose.”
“He’s right,” said Will. “And competition is a huge part.” Also, Will pointed out, the game — while always fun — is even more so when two good teams play, and the scores are close.
Looking ahead, Will said he has not decided on where, but his intention is to play basketball in college.
“Basketball has always been a part of me, it’s my favorite thing to do,” he said.
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