Athlete Spotlight: Anthony Williams and Tony Davis

Anthony Williams tells the truth.

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For proof of his athleticism, log on to the popular video Web site youtube.com. Search "Anthony Williams" and "Evans."

The clip shows Williams, an Evans senior, leaping from just outside the key to dunk one-handed over an Aiken High School player who was unlucky enough to end up on the wrong end of the highlight. Williams drew a foul and nailed the free throw.

His teammate, Tony Davis, is equally explosive, but in a more low-key manner. The players have different games, but they share the same trait: They're difficult to stop.

"Tony's more of a grind-it-out type player," Evans coach Kevin Kenny said. "He's going to get in there and mix it up and get the put-backs. Anthony, out on the wing, he's a little more explosive in the open court."

Davis scored 32 points and pulled down 11 rebounds when the Knights beat Butler on Dec. 12. Williams added 22 points and nine rebounds. The pair have combined to give defenses fits.

After the Knights beat Lakeside during the teams' first meeting earlier this year, Panthers senior Rosbie Mutcherson said his team's primary focus was to try to keep Davis off the glass.

Glenn Hills forward Shawn Allen said the Spartans' scouting report on the Knights read, "No. 32 (Williams) could jump out of the gym."

Throw in the speed of Knights point guard Troy Belton, the stingy defense of Brandon McCladdie, and a solid supporting cast off the bench, and Evans is giving opposing teams a lot to think about.

"I feel like no one in this region is tougher," Davis said. "I'm not saying that we're the best team, but the heart that we got, the talent ... I don't feel like anybody can stop our lineup."

Glenn Hills managed that feat, with a 53-46 win on Dec. 9. The Knights missed 21 free throws during the game, Evans' only loss of the season to that point.

Kenny said Davis told his teammates in the locker room afterward that free throws needed to become a priority in practice.

Serving as a leader is a role Davis was unaccustomed to at the beginning of the season. As a sophomore last year, he ceded to seniors Jonathan Nicely and Trey Henderson.

Williams was the sixth man on that team. He worked on his mid-range jump shot during the summer and emerged this season as one of the area's best all-around players.

"I have more options than just being a take-it-to-the-basket kind of guy," Williams said. "Even though I haven't shot any 3s, I feel like I can. And I'm deadly on the break."

The YouTube video attests to that. The Knights were playing in the 100 Black Men of Augusta tournament, held at Richmond Academy. Williams tore down the right side of the court when an Aiken player slid into his path to try to draw the charge.

Williams leaped, knocking the defender to the floor, and threw it down. The crowd came to its feet, including the nearby Aiken bench.

"There are very few people that can guard him one-on-one when he gets the ball on the wing," Kenny said. "He's very explosive."