Photo credit: Mariah Davis

On most school days, Midland Classical senior Mariah Davis’ day doesn’t end when team basketball practice does at 4:30 p.m. She’s just getting started. From there, she heads straight into individual sessions with her trainer, Doug Green, which run into the evening and often continue into the weekend. Davis said watching her dad play and train is what first made her want to follow the same path.

“My dad played at UTPB. I went to his games, and I started in 2nd grade at Boys & Girls Club,” Davis said. “Just watching my dad play and train at Hero’s Fitness in Odessa, doing all these moves with the basketball and watching old film from UTPB made me want to be like him.”

Her dad didn’t just inspire her interest in basketball. He was hands-on, training and pushing her until eighth grade. Like many young athletes, Davis explored other sports along the way, including track and softball, before ultimately deciding to focus on basketball.

“That’s when I realized that basketball was my thing,” she said.

As games approach, Davis said she locks in, becoming more focused in practice “because you practice like you play,” and making sure she’s hydrated and eating enough. That approach has coincided with major milestones, including surpassing 2,000 career points and recording her first 40-point game this season.

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“When I got my first 40 ball was definitely my favorite. I wanted it so bad,” she said.

Davis is also open about the cost of reaching that level of play. She said competitive club basketball required time sacrifices and forced her to navigate comparisons to other players, something she says is still challenging.

“You are always the ‘good one,’ and sometimes it’s discouraging to see another girl on a better team than you,” she said. “I struggle with that all the time, but knowing that it’ll be worth it in the end.”

Last summer, she said she finally mastered a crossover move her dad had been teaching her for years. That persistence shapes how she leads on the floor. She sees leadership as the responsibility she carries though setting the emotional tone and helping younger players grow into bigger roles.

“Being a good role model for the girls because there is definitely a lot of responsibility on my shoulders and controlling my emotions while teaching, being a coach on the court for them,” Davis said.

Davis said the team made a point to build chemistry, including team lunches and time together off the court. She said she is especially focused on helping position younger players for success and leaving the program stronger than she found it.

“They mean a lot,” she said. “I just want to get them to state especially for the younger girls. I want to help put them in that position.”

Teammates describe Davis as steady, encouraging, and consistent in both effort and communication, someone who understands game flow and helps teammates stay positioned and confident.

“Everyone needs a Mariah on their team,” senior Maddie said. “She’s so encouraging and has always been like that.”

“She knows where the defense and offense is and how to move people and the ball around the court,” senior Landry said. “She gives her all in everything. No matter what.”

“I think she’s been a great leader, always been very kind and encouraging and willing to help you,” junior Alli said. “She doesn’t get mad, but tells you to get it next time.”

“It’s always about leaving a legacy,” freshman Malone said. “She genuinely cares about you succeeding.”

“She doesn’t hide the truth and she’s firm but fair,” freshman McKinlee said. “She gives me guidance about everything.”

“Mariah made me feel welcomed and appreciated and a part of the team,” team manager Emma said. “They chose to do the hard things and did it together.”

Looking ahead, Davis is focused on developing into a true point guard at the next level: someone who controls pace, organizes teammates, and leads on the floor. When she thinks about how she wants to be remembered, Davis focuses on consistency rather than numbers.

“That I left it all on the court and played the best that I can every single game,” she said.

And if her game-day focus gets misread?

“Some people say that I look mean,” she said. “But I am really fun to be with.”

Through it all, the long days, the sacrifice, the pressure, Davis keeps returning to the same purpose. She wants to win, she wants to lead, and she wants to leave the program better than she found it.