Grovetown 's McDavid can choose sport

Evans High School senior forward Tony Davis was a preseason favorite to challenge for Columbia County's Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5 post player has not disappointed Knights fans this season.

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Davis is among the area's top scorers and rebounders this year. He is averaging more than 16 points per game and is pulling down more than seven rebounds per contest. Those numbers have him in the area's Top 7 in each category.

There is plenty of season left, but Davis certainly is making his case to earn player of the year honors. This year is a big year to be selected, because for the first time the award will be called the Eric Marshall Player of the Year Award. Marshall, arguably the county's best all-time player, collapsed and died unexpectedly in April of an enlarged heart.

While Davis might be the county's top player, the most improved player could go to his Evans teammate, Troy Griffith. The 6-foot-2 wing man has been among the area's top outside shooters. He leads the area in 3-point shooting, knocking down just under 50 percent of his shots from long range. Griffith is averaging more than 14 points per contest for the Knights, who are 10-4 overall and 7-3 in Region 3-AAAA.

'McStar' on the rise

Grovetown sophomore Myles McDavid is an athlete worthy of attention. I first saw him during the football season, when he was a jack-of-all trades for the Warriors first-year program.

McDavid, who comes from a military family that was stationed at Fort Gordon, punted, returned punts and served as Grovetown's backup quarterback. He even earned a start at quarterback in the season finale. McDavid wore jersey No. 80, so it was odd seeing him in those roles.

I have a feeling he might have his choice of jersey numbers next fall. McDavid already stands more than 6 feet tall and has enough speed and quickness that coach Rodney Holder had him returning punts last season as a sophomore. McDavid could be one of the county's breakout football players next year when he will likely assume the team's quarterback duties full time.

In addition to McDavid's football accomplishments, he also has emerged as one of the county's top basketball players. He is averaging more than 16 points per game for head coach Casey Dees. Thanks in large part to McDavid's recent play, Grovetown has earned key region wins against Josey, Butler and Cross Creek.

During the football season, I immediately made note of McDavid as a future college prospect on the gridiron, but football might not even be his best sport.

Only time will tell, but one thing is sure: Grovetown fans have a talented young man to follow for the next few years.