PC’s Abby Davis plays in North-South All-Star Game

By Bart Moss / For the FCT

Abby Davis played a pivotal role in getting the Phil Campbell Bobcats to the semifinals of the Class 2A state tournament last season. As a rising senior, Davis’ career play earned her a spot on the North squad in the North-South All-Star Game at the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s All-Star Sports Week last week.

It is the beginning of what is likely to be many individual milestones for the Bobcat forward.

“It was an awesome week,” said Davis. “I got to meet a lot of new people, make a lot of new friends and play with some of the best seniors in the state of Alabama.”

Davis, who plays elite travel basketball each summer for the Southern Starz, said she is used to playing against tough competition.

“There were some really good players there,” explained Davis, “but it wasn’t intimidating. I had to adjust my game a little, but I always have to do that in travel ball.”

Davis was the first player off the bench for the North squad – which means she impressed her coaches during the week.

“I thought I had a really good week of practice,” said Davis. “I learned a lot, but for the most part it was like a normal week of practice leading up to a game. I always give it my best and try to play hard.”

During the season, Davis is usually one of the taller players on the court. The South team, however, had two girls in the post who stood 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-5 – which would present problems for anyone – but even that didn’t faze the Lady Bobcat.

“I have played against big girls like that in travel ball,” Davis said. “You just have to work hard to create shot opportunities.”

Davis ended the game with four points. She scored her first points late in the first half after missing a three-point attempt, following her shot, getting the rebound and put back. Her second made basket came late in the third quarter on a pick-and-roll, fade-away shot in the face of one the South’s defenders.

“It was a great learning experience and a great honor to be able to participate in this game,” said Davis.

Although Davis could have many individual honors to come her way this year, she said she is more focused on unfinished business at Phil Campbell as the Bobcats jump to Class 3A.

“I really want to go out with a bang and win a state championship,” said Davis. “We were so close last year, and people are saying we can’t do it again. That just motivates us and pushes us to work harder.”

There is no rest for Davis. She is playing her last week of travel basketball this week with the Southern Starz before starting her senior year of school in two weeks.

“I am going to really miss playing travel ball; we’ve become like family,” Davis said. “But I’m so ready to work toward that state title.”

Davis recently received an offer to play college basketball for Snead State Community College in Boaz.