Breakout Star Leading Sherwood to New Heights

by Frank Platko ’18

Sherwood kicked off their season at home on December 6, defeating local rival Good Counsel by a score of 65-44. The two teams were locked in a defensive struggle for much of the game, and at halftime the Warriors clung to a 20-14 lead.

But from that point on, the game belonged to junior guard Davis Long, who exploded for 32 points despite struggling for the earlier portion of the game. He dazzled with threes, drives to the basket, and step-back jump shots – he was seemingly impossible to slow down. Behind a rowdy student section and bench, Long and the Warriors pulled away late from the Falcons.

“It was a great team effort. Everyone contributed, and it’s not always about scoring 30 points if we come out with the win,” said Long

He proved his performance was not a fluke in the Warriors next matchup against Watkins Mill, their first away game of the season.

Despite being widely considered the underdog, Watkins Mill played sound defense and held their own against the Warriors for much of the contest. However, Watkins Mill was unable to score consistently, and Sherwood hung on for a 55-49 win – led again by Long with “only” 26 points.

The Warriors traveled back home on December 7 taking on Seneca Valley. The Screaming Eagles were ranked number 12th in the state coming into the contest, and they demonstrated why. Their swarming defense forced Sherwood into 15 turnovers. It was evident their game plan was to make other players besides Long beat them, and they limited him to just 10 total shots – compared to the 41 shots he took combined in the first two games.

Senior guard Josh Seils was a beneficiary of this strategy by Seneca Valley, hitting four three pointers en route to 19 total points. Junior forward Donovan Lacey had 9 points, including one emphatic dunk in the 4th quarter. But it wasn’t enough, and the Warriors fell to Seneca Valley 57-62.

Through three games, Long is averaging a cool 24 points per game on 52.0 percent shooting, 38 percent from three and 88 percent from the free throw line while taking 17 shots.

The offseason loss of junior forward Kamari Williams was significant. But if Long can continue his play, it may not be as big of a loss as expected.