2020 guard Johnell Davis has played a big role in Gary 21^st Century’s success in his first two years of high school. He’ll see his scoring load increase this year with the graduation of DeAndre Gholston. Here’s an update with Davis.

Davis averaged 15.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.9 steals per game as a sophomore. With DeAndre Gholston at Kent State, Davis will have to carry the scoring load for Gary 21^st Century. He looks ready to take that responsibility with the way he’s been playing for Indy Heat 16U this spring and summer.

With the Indy Heat, Davis plays with 2022 rising star Kamari Lands and rising 2020 guard Jaden Ivey. Davis has found a role as a scorer that operates well in the mid-range. He thrives as a shooter around the elbows. He’s also a good athlete that finishes well around the basket.

“I try to bring the energy, defense, leadership, being aggressive taking the ball to the hole, and carrying my team,” Johnell Davis said of his role with the Indy Heat.

Davis reports an offer from Kent State along with interest from Northern Illinois, Cleveland State, Purdue, and Miami of Ohio. In June, he went to prospect camps at Cleveland State and Valparaiso. He plans to attend prospect camps at Purdue and Northern Illinois in August while making other unofficial visits in the month as well.

Davis has the potential to be a solid player in the MAC. He’s 6-2/6-3 with good length and athleticism. One of the big keys to his college potential is improving his outside shooting. Davis shot 28% and 29% from three-point each of his first two high school seasons. That must make major strides for him to reach his potential.

Regarding the high school season, Johnell Davis is setting his goals high. He wants to win a state title, and he sees Blackhawk Christian from Fort Wayne being the biggest obstacle to that feat. Gary 21^st Century lost to Blackhawk in the regional round last year.

“How they were aggressive from the jump,” Davis said of his takeaways from the loss. “We came out lackadaisical and weren’t ready.”

With the transfer of Brandon Newman to Montverde Academy, Johnell Davis has a chance to be the biggest star in the Region this high school. He’ll need to thrive with all the defensive attention on him to make that the case. It’s a different game when defenses are geared to stop you. Indiana Basketball Source will be tracking his progress closely for the next two year.