Negativity on the court is never part of the equation for Marian Catholic’s Delan Davis.
The senior forward has a happy-go-lucky nature, always bringing an optimistic perspective.
“I like to stay carefree,” he said. “I know mistakes are going to happen in a game and I try not to dwell on them. I try to get everybody’s spirits up because I know the game is stressful.”
Davis made sure the Spartans had a stress-free game Wednesday night.
He scored a game-high 15 points and added five rebounds for Marian Catholic in a 58-43 victory over the host Celtics in a Class 3A Providence Regional semifinal in New Lenox.
Sophomore forward Landon Mays added 13 points and six rebounds for the Spartans (25-7), who will play at 6 p.m. Friday against Perspectives Leadership (18-9) for the regional title.
Senior guard Terrell Morton scored 12 points and senior guard Zack Sharkey had 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Spartans. Ryan Lipke scored 11 points for Providence (11-22).
The 6-foot-2 Davis has the size to play on the inside but the athleticism and quickness to work on the perimeter. He hit a game-opening 3-pointer and then didn’t score again in the first half.
Still, he never pressed his game.
“In the first half, I was just taking advantage of what the defense gave me,” he said. “I didn’t want to force too many shots. I always want to play in the offense.
“When it’s time, it’s time, and I do what I have to do.”
Davis opened the third quarter with a 3-point play, part of a 12-point effort in the second half.
In his second season on the varsity, he’s emerged as a consistent secondary scorer to Sharkey.
“He’s improved a lot in the two years we’ve played together,” Sharkey said of Davis. “He does a good job of getting to his spots and getting open.
“He can see the floor and see things that other players can’t do. He knows how to play within his role. He can get a bucket when we need it.”
Retired Marian coach Mike Taylor singled out Davis during his freshman season in open gyms. That convinced Davis of his potential, and he significantly increased his effort and intensity.
Second-year coach Rick Romeli said Davis also struggled with his 3-point shot during his years at the developmental level.
”He’s put in a lot of work and has improved on the catch-and-shoot,’ Romeli said. “Since he’s so good at getting downhill, it has taken his game to another level.
“I think he’s extremely tough. He finishes well through contact.”
While Sharkey is the fiery leader for the Spartans, Davis operates as the cool, laidback type. Being a part of the storied program at Marian has been a lifelong ambition for Davis.
“My older brother was a student when Tyler Ulis was here, so I went to all of the games,” he said. “Seeing Tyler really inspired me to come here.”
Davis, who is funny and playful in manner, finds his inspiration from writing. It’s the subject in school that truly puts him in the right frame of mind.
“I could write stories for days or hours,” he said. “I like to do it in English class. Whenever the teacher gives us time, I just write paragraphs or stories.
“My personality is definitely outgoing, getting everybody talking and everybody going. I like to set the mood and make sure everybody is happy.”
While authoring his story, the main emphasis for Davis has been to not take anything for granted.
“I want to put my own mark on Marian,” he said. “Coach Taylor and coach Rick taught me the biggest lesson is work ethic. My mentality is seeing how blessed I am.
“Nothing is promised from here on out. I’m just trying to stay hungry.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
