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Aldine Davis' Jeremiah Terrell
HIS OWN SHOES: Davis' Terrell walking the path towards greatness
From his first days on junior varsity to now, Jeremiah Terrell's journey has always been about growth.
That growth isn’t just physical; it’s also mental and emotional.
When Terrell reflects on his time in the Davis program, it’s clear that humility has become one of his most valuable traits.
“I want to start off by thanking my team,” he said. “If it wasn’t for them and the guys who came before me, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn as much as I have. Of course, I’m still learning as I continue to play the game.”
He continues, expressing deep gratitude for his coaches and mentors.
The stars of 2024-25 Davis High School BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Coach (Chris) Packer has been a great leader for us. He always tells us, ‘It’s not just about basketball. It’s about everyone working towards a common goal.’ Basketball keeps me mentally stable in a way. When I play, I can put aside anything I’m stressed about for a while. But it’s great to do it for my family and my team, and I really appreciate their support.”
As the current season unfolds, the starting lineup for Davis may look slightly different.
With the graduation of two-time District MVP Deadric Fikes (who now plays for Newman University), one or more players will need to step up to maintain the level of play that fans have come to expect from Davis.
Terrell is certainly a candidate. After earning an all-district honorable mention last year, he’s poised to play a key role.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“There’s really no replacing Deadric,” he said. “He was a great role model, and I still talk to him from time to time. I know I’m not going to be able to fill his shoes, but I’m just going to wear my own shoes. I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team succeed, and hopefully help us reach the playoffs again.”
With the help of Fikes and fellow 2024 graduate Jonathan Gray (a first-team, all-district selection), the Falcons finished with an impressive 22-10 record last season, eventually making a postseason appearance.
Although the roster looks different this year, Terrell and his teammates aren’t letting that stop them from building on last season’s success.
“It’s going to take a lot,” Terrell said. “Communication, boxing out—doing the simple things on a consistent basis will be important. It’s not going to be easy, but if we can come together as a team, we’re going to be able to end things our way.”
This season may present challenges, especially in a district that includes powerhouse teams like Nimitz and Westfield.
However, if the Falcons can lock in and sync up during the latter half of their schedule, fans may very well see them back in the playoffs come February.
Beyond that, Terrell will likely move on to the next stage of his life, carrying wisdom that far exceeds his years.
THE GRIND: MVP Fikes adds different facets to game
DEADRIC FIKES HAD A BREAKOUT JUNIOR SEASON, LEADING DAVIS TO A DISTRICT 14-6A TITLE AND EARNING A DISTRICT MVP SELECTION.
He doesn’t see it that way.
“It wasn’t really a big surprise,” he said. “Me and the team just put in so much work in the offseason and the summer, so when we got to the season, we were ready. We knew what we were capable of and the work paid off.”
It is scary to think what another offseason and summer can do for the All-Region selection and the Falcons, heading into 2023-24.
“I really worked on my three-point ability to stretch the defense,” he said. “As a senior leader, it was also important for me to work on my ball movement to get my teammates more involved. That is how we are going to go deeper in the postseason.
“Coach (Chris) Packer has really put me in a leadership position and has taught me what goes into that. I am grateful for his mentorship.”
Basketball is self-admittedly Fikes’ life and he takes his craft seriously.
“It’s all basketball, all the time,” he said. “If I’m not playing or working out, I’m watching the game. I love
to pick up small, little things from watching pro players and trying to put it into my game. That’s what I love about the sport. You can create your game how you like it.”
The ultimate goal, of course, is to find a home at the next level to continue his basketball journey.
“That’s the goal,” he said. “I’m just looking for an opportunity in college. Whatever God has in store for me, is the direction I will follow.”