Davion Hankins, a senior point guard at Valliant High School, is gearing up for his final basketball season with a deep passion for the game and his team. For Davion, playing for Valliant goes beyond the game itself—it’s about representing his community. “Being able to wear a Valliant jersey and our colors in front of a crowd and the community is special,” he reflects. The pride he feels for his school is evident, especially when he steps into the gym. “My favorite place to play is definitely at our gym in Valliant; the atmosphere is just crazy.”
A significant influence on Davion’s development as a player is his coach, coach Cody Carlisle. “He’s had a big influence on my game, reminding me even on my bad days I’m never as bad as I think,” Davion shares. It’s this consistent support that helps Davion stay grounded, even when faced with challenges on the court. But Davion isn’t the only one with an inspiring work ethic—he’s also been impressed by his younger teammates. “So far leading up to the season, sophomore Ayden Fowler and freshman Ty McCutcheon have impressed me with their drive and determination,” he says.
For Davion, the camaraderie with his teammates is what truly makes the season special. “The thing I love most about my teammates is the way we are all like brothers, and how we all push each other to get better,” he explains. The positive team dynamics are something Davion treasures, especially as the team comes together with a shared goal of success. “Everyone has good work ethics,” he adds, recognizing the effort his teammates put into their training. Of course, having a sense of humor in the locker room doesn’t hurt. “Kenny Golston keeps us all laughing, he has a really funny personality,” Davion said.
With the season just around the corner, Davion is excited about what lies ahead. “I’m excited about the season because I feel like our team is really strong and has a lot of potential,” he says. He’s especially looking forward to the rivalry games, with the Wright City Lumberjacks on his radar. “I look forward to playing our rivals, the Wright City Lumberjacks,” he shares. After graduation, Davion plans to continue his career in sports while pursuing a degree in athletic training. “I want to go to college and continue my career in sports and pursue something in athletic training.”
