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THE GRIND: MVP Fikes adds different facets to game
DEADRIC FIKES HAD A BREAKOUT JUNIOR SEASON, LEADING DAVIS TO A DISTRICT 14-6A TITLE AND EARNING A DISTRICT MVP SELECTION.
He doesn’t see it that way.
“It wasn’t really a big surprise,” he said. “Me and the team just put in so much work in the offseason and the summer, so when we got to the season, we were ready. We knew what we were capable of and the work paid off.”
It is scary to think what another offseason and summer can do for the All-Region selection and the Falcons, heading into 2023-24.
“I really worked on my three-point ability to stretch the defense,” he said. “As a senior leader, it was also important for me to work on my ball movement to get my teammates more involved. That is how we are going to go deeper in the postseason.
“Coach (Chris) Packer has really put me in a leadership position and has taught me what goes into that. I am grateful for his mentorship.”
Basketball is self-admittedly Fikes’ life and he takes his craft seriously.
“It’s all basketball, all the time,” he said. “If I’m not playing or working out, I’m watching the game. I love
to pick up small, little things from watching pro players and trying to put it into my game. That’s what I love about the sport. You can create your game how you like it.”
The ultimate goal, of course, is to find a home at the next level to continue his basketball journey.
“That’s the goal,” he said. “I’m just looking for an opportunity in college. Whatever God has in store for me, is the direction I will follow.”
HOOPS INSIDER: Aldine Davis Boys Basketball
Chris Packer and the Davis Falcons were the biggest surprise team in District 14-6A last season, going 11-3 and finishing second.
The Falcons knocked off Conroe in their Bi-District playoff game before falling in a heartbreaker, 41-40, to Cypress Springs.
It was a senior-laden team, so Packer says goodbye to Offensive MVP Dylan Mackey and first-teamers Isaiah Harrell, Arnold McGowan and Reggie Smith.
So, who will lead the way in 2021-22?
He turns over the leadership baton to forward Cornelius Bibbs, who was an honorable-mention selection last year.
Donald Johnson Jr. is another senior who will be relied upon more to pick up the slack. Deadric Fikes, Les'Mion Lewis and Jeffery Moore will also play bigger roles.
"Everyone has a storyline in our district and ours is, who steps up and how do we develop toughness as a team?" Packer said.