Maybe it’s the unique first name or maybe it’s because of the impact he’s had on the program, but it seems like Diezel Davis has been at Okay High School forever (that’s probably what opponents think as well). But he’s just a junior and he’s hoping to take the Mustangs to the ultimate prize-the gold-ball- this year. They came close last year, making it to the championship game but falling short against Caddo as Diezel averaged 16 points and five assists per game for the season. But regardless of what happens this year, it won’t be due to lack of effort on Diezel’s part according to his head coach Chad Clark.

“He’s got the best work ethic of any kid I’ve ever coached, and he never takes a day off,” said Clark. “He’s one of the best shooters I’ve ever seen but he’s getting better at creating shots for and setting up his teammates.”

So as we get to know Mr. Davis a little better, let’s start with that first name.

“My mom told she saw a sign about diesels somewhere before she had me and thought that was cool, so she put a Z in it make it different,” said Diezel. “I fell in love with basketball from the time I started playing it in first or second grade when one my friend’s dad decided to start a little AAU team,” said Davis who also plays baseball and is a member of FCCLA in school.

Last year was full of highlights for the Mustang guard starting with the area tournament finals against Seiling.

“We were down by three late in the game and they had the ball, and I stole it and went down and hit a 3 to tie the game and we won in overtime. And then going to state and getting runner-up was a crazy great experience and I really want to go back. We’ve got all of our starters back (including another unique first name player-Ducky Swimmer) and I think we’ll be seen as the team to beat in Class A so we can’t slack off because everyone will be after us this year.”