by by Dan Ninham, Contributing Writer
Boston Davis is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in Belcourt, ND. He is a recent graduate of Dunseith HS in ND and will be attending Turtle Mountain Community College to further his education and basketball career.
Summer basketball was devoted to Niniijaanis MMIW. He was coached by Brooke Lafloe, perhaps the only woman to coach young men’s summer basketball on the national circuit.
Davis’ accomplishments include being named All Region for basketball and football in his senior year. He was also selected for the Indigenous Bowl “which was one of the best experiences I had as a football player,” said Davis. “For basketball I went on to have an amazing senior year averaging 25 PPG and 7 RPG and scoring a career high 45 points in a game I will never forget.”
“My indigenous core value is I play with heart and dedication to the sports I love,” said Davis. “I feel like being a indigenous person you are a warrior so I feel like you have to have that warrior and winning mentality in any sport you play.”
“I am preparing every single day to improve my game and be the best I possibly can,” said Davis. “Some ways I work on my game is I’m in the gym daily and pushing myself and limits to the max. I’m also keeping my body healthy because that is very important to long term stability.”
Family members are Davis’ mentors and “they push me every day to my full potential and make sure I am in the gym putting the work in that it takes to become great,” said Davis. “They are my mentors because I know they got my back.”
“Boston coming from the big cities in the Minneapolis area where he spent most of his life competing against the top competitors his age to small town ball around the reservation was a big adjustment for him,” said Boston’s father Christopher Davis. “Especially when small town kids already have their groups and cliques that have been (together) especially in sports. He came and competed and won the starting roles in both football and basketball.”
“I am most proud of the young man he has become around the youth in our community where it’s playing ball with them or taking time to read stories to them during his off hours at the elementary. They looked up to him as a role model they could follow, and he tries picking up everyone’s attitude or general wellbeing whether is on or off the court,” added Davis.
Lita Davis is Boston’s mother. She said, “I’m not his coach on the court but I am in life. I have three children, Boston is my middle child. The most positive attribute that Boston has on and off the court is his positive attitude. His outlook on life is always positive and he brings so much joy to everyone around him. He lets so much roll off his back and he just moves through life with such grace and positivity and I hope to be like him someday.”
“With this attitude he is able to bring it onto the court and build relationships and friendships with his team and his natural talents in sports looks effortless because of his attitude,” added mom Lita.
Mike Vandal, Head Coach of TMCC Might Mikinocks, talked about his new recruit. He said, “I’ve had my eye on Boston Davis since he transferred from Minnesota to Dunseith. Boston is a true standout with his scoring ability. He attacks the rim fearlessly and his consistent mid-range jumper is impressive. Last year I believe he had a 45 point game which is impressive at any level. Boston’s skill, mindset, and leadership will make an immediate impact at the college level.”
Photo: Jacob Laducer
Awesome example.