Another Kickapoo boys basketball player is headed to the D-1 level. Senior guard Cam Davis announced via Twitter Monday night that he will play for the Naval Academy next year. Davis joins senior teammate Jared Ridder, who verbally committed to Xavier earlier this summer.
To everyone in my life, I'll serve for you.#RaiseTheSail âï¸ð pic.twitter.com/2KZC3UhoCV
— Cameron Davis (@_CDavis31) September 13, 2016
The 6-foot guard averaged 13.9 points and 5 rebounds per game last season, helping the Chiefs to the Class 5 state championship, where they fell to Duke commit Jayson Tatum and top-ranked Chaminade. Davis stepped up big in the final four, averaging a double-double while often defending the 6-foot-9 Tatum.
Davis says his decision was heavily based on academics. He plans to pursue an engineering degree at Navy with an emphasis in mechanical or nuclear engineering.
"It was everything I was looking for," said Davis, who will serve a nine year commitment (4 education, 5 active duty). "I knew Navy was a top 10 school in the nation and the world. It's a great opportunity."
Davis had offers from six NCAA schools. His final three were Navy, Army and Missouri S&T, where both his parents played basketball.
Making his college choice was a relief and now Davis says he can focus on his senior season at Kickapoo where the Chiefs will enter the season as one of the favorites to win the Class 5 state title.
"We have the pieces to do something special. Last year we had a great year but came up a little bit short. I think this year it's a lot of the same (five varsity letterman regurn). The key thing is putting the pieces together. We can score, but if we can lock down and defend people we have a chance to be a contender in the state."
Davis won't be the only Ozarks native in Annapolis, Maryland. He will be a freshman when Nixa native Bryce Dulin will be a senior for the Midshipmen.
"Bryce was a big help for me in making this decision. I couldn't thank him enough."
Chiefs head coach Dick Rippee had high praise for his senior guard.
"Cameron is one of the hardest working young men I have ever had the opportunity to coach," said Rippee. "He is a tireless worker that has made himself into a very good basketball player and a D-1 player. The Naval Academy is getting a leader both on the court and in the classroom."
Davis is also ranked number 1 in his graduating class of 430+ students academically.
He will make his commitment official on National Signing Day, November 9th.
