Isaiah Davis is Ashland High’s new boys’ basketball coach, replacing Mark Champagne who left the program after six seasons to take the coaching reins at King Philip Regional in Wrentham.
The 30-year-old Davis was Wellesley High’s assistant varsity coach with the boys’ program for four years, and during the last two seasons the native of Providence served as assistant varsity boys’ coach and middle school head coach at Noble & Greenough in Dedham. He was a two-time all-star when he played at Providence Country Day (PCD) and he competed for two years in a reserve role at Babson College where he graduated in 2008.
Although Davis has no head-coaching experience at the high school level, he’s no stranger to the sport or programs in the Metrowest area. He has coached and worked in youth programs in Wellesley and is program director of GT Elite, a club team that he started. He also has coached at the highest club level and he’s conducted many camps and clinics throughout the local area.
Chosen from a pool of 20-plus applicants, Davis is eager to get started. He and his wife Maria live in Framingham, and his commute to Ashland is about five minutes.
“I’m excited to get this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to continuing the success that coach Champagne had during his six seasons,’’ Davis said. “My coaching philosophy is to compete hard, help our players reach their potential, win and enjoy the experience.’’
Davis, who had a 3.90 grade point average at PCD, enrolled at Babson on an academic scholarship and studied in Europe and Africa for three of his semesters. He has a degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. While he was coaching at Wellesley High and Noble & Greenough, he worked in the financial services field but now is employed by EIS Group, a firm that sells insurance software to major corporations.
Davis, who was a dynamic point guard at PCD, averaged 16 points and 8 assists, but his calling card was defense, a commodity he plans to employ intensely at Ashland.
“My style will focus on defense first, and our offense will be up-tempo,’’ Davis noted. “Teaching and stressing fundamentals will be a priority. If we’re small, we’ll rely on players who’ll read and react, pass and set picks. I want our kids to buy into what I’m teaching, but I also want to groom them into young men and create lasting memories. I want players to allow basketball to help them deal with issues in real-life situations. Working as a team, setting goals and overcoming adversity are just a few lessons that can be learned.’’
Appointed in August, Davis said, “We’ve got some up-and-coming talent on our junior varsity squad, and I know we’ve got good leadership at the senior level.’’ Davis also is acutely aware that the Tri Valley League (TVL) is ultra competitive. “I know Medfield is traditionally strong, and it looks like Holliston is emerging,’’ he said. “The TVL looks like a conference where teams one through six will all be in the mix for the league title.’’
Davis credits Wellesley High coach Glen Magpiong for helping him develop into a candidate to lead a varsity squad. “Glen groomed me and taught me a lot about coaching,’’ Davis emphasized. “He also showed me how to build a program. I also admire two other coaches — Paul Connolly at Newton North and Stephen Brennan at Babson. Paul stresses all the right things and his teams are always in the playoffs, and coach Brennan showed me how to maintain poise and stressed the importance of academics in a players’ life.’’
Davis said he plans on being very visible in the community. “I want to learn more about Ashland’s youth program and I want to be at a variety of the school’s events, like football games,’’ he emphasized. “My players will get to know my style and philosophy but I want to be involved in the town so that the basketball program will be built from the grassroots up. There will be rules and there will be accountability and that goes for me, too.’’
When Athletic Director Mike Grimes informed Davis he was the choice of the search committee, there was a very poignant comment made by Grimes to Davis. It was a comment that said volumes about the confidence Ashland was placing in its new coach.
“Mike told me that there was a person who took a chance on him when the school was seeking a new A.D.,’’ Davis said. “He told me that he and the committee were willing to take a chance on me. I know the competition I faced was stiff, but Ashland showed confidence in me.’’
Grimes is eager to work with Davis. “He brings energy and knowledge to the table, and I’m excited for our entire basketball program, from the varsity down to the youth level,’’ Grimes emphasized. “I look forward to working with Isaiah as he establishes his program.’’
Davis helped Wellesley High get to the playoffs in all four years he worked as an assistant coach. Qualifying for the tourney obviously is high on his list of priorities, but Isaiah Davis also is interested in developing solid citizens and creating positive memories.
Issue Date:
November, 2016
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