DENMARK, SC. (WJBF) – The South Carolina Gamecocks Men’s Basketball Team is returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017–going all the way to it’s first Final Four that year.
As the Gamecocks look to make their mark on the national stage once again, one of their players is looking to do the same for the town of Denmark.
Sophomore Guard Zach Davis’ hometown is Orangeburg, South Carolina, but he played at Denmark-Olar High School from 2020-2022.
His love for the game started at a young age, playing with his dad and cousins growing up.
But it also stemmed from a faith that sparked while playing church league basketball in Lake Mary, Florida.
“I can’t do any of this without him,” said Davis. “Just praying each and every day for my mom and them, and just blessing me and telling me everything–that just really installed basketball in my head, and I just took it and ran with it.”
Davis moved to Orangeburg, South Carolina in 2010.
He attended Denmark-Olar Elementary School for one year, before returning to Orangeburg for school through the 9th grade.
He then transferred from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School to Denmark-Olar for his 10th grade year, and says he got a warm welcome back.
“Everybody remembered my face from when I was younger,” said Davis. “It was a dream come true–that’s the best way I can put it.”
Davis would spend his last three years as Viking, before graduating in June 2022. Looking back, he says his time at Denmark-Olar was special.
“The fans loved me, the school loved me, everybody loved me–it was just a great feeling,” said Davis. “The basketball program grew tremendously, my dad’s first year–my 9th grade year–they weren’t as good. But when I came, it skyrocketed up. So me being part of something like that is just a blessing, and it’s something I’ll always want to be a part of.”
As a Viking, Zach had the opportunity to play for his father, Hercules Davis, for those three seasons.
Hercules says his son had quite the journey at the school, but it started with some lessons that needed to be taught.
“He started off slow,” said Davis. “He started off focused on distractions, so I told him ‘You’re either going to play or sit on the bench’. That’s when he realized I was his coach.”
The head coach says once Zach was locked in, he “clicked”. Zach would score 1,000 points for the Vikings in three years, and his father says it’s because he was both talented and coachable.
“He learned the rules, how I wanted to coach him, how hard I wanted to coach him, and how bad I wanted him to grow into the game of basketball, as a team player and as a leader on and off the court,” said Davis.
Zach would commit to become a South Carolina Gamecock–something his father says he’s always wanted to do.
“Just to see him put everything together–to fight, play hard, and study hard for what he wants–means a big deal not only to me as a coach, but the community here in Denmark,” said Davis.
Zach is now going to college basketball’s biggest stage in just his second year with the program. He says it means the world.
“I feel like it’s a good opportunity for all the kids to pay attention and really lock in on life, because you can do anything. coming from a 1A school to a power 5 level, highest level, best conference in the world–anything is possible,” said Davis.
His father adds that he couldn’t be prouder of his son’s success, which is putting both the University of South Carolina and the town of Denmark on the map.
“He is doing wonders for this town,” said Davis. “That’s part of me knowing that my son grew up to be a young man, and a prospective ball player. To represent the University of South Carolina on the national stage–and Denmark on the national stage–means a whole lot.”
The Gamecocks will face the Oregon Ducks in the first round of the tournament from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this Thursday, March 21st.
The opening tip is scheduled for 4 PM.