Hats off to Coach Justin Van Fleet and the Loyalsock Lancers. They are off to a great start on the gridiron. The boys knocked off mighty Southern Columbia 27-10 last week. That’s a big-time win as those Tigers don’t often lose, especially at home. It was a total team effort, but one guy led the way. Senior running back Davion Hill had a stellar game. He rushed for 176 yards against a stellar defense. The kid is impressive in whatever he does. I am a fan.
Davion was on the fence about playing football his senior year. Well, that was the rumor. We all know that he is a stud on the basketball court, and he was coming off an extraordinary junior hoops season. Davion also had a very busy summer. He is now getting some big-time college interest. He was playing with all the big names in the national AAU circuit. High-level tournaments all over the land. Some suggested Davion should focus on just one sport. Ha. Others encouraged him to transfer. Again. Everyone’s an expert and knows what’s best for the young lad.
Davion is still at St. John Neumann. He gets to play football at Loyalsock by way of a co-op. I am thrilled that I get to watch him do his thing. Whether it is football or basketball — Davion Hill continues to amaze. I saw some ridiculous numbers the other day. Davion has already gone over 3,000 total yards. That is just insane. Consider that he saw very limited action his sophomore year, and we are only three weeks into his senior campaign. Hill has also scored 40 career touchdowns, and I still say that football is his second-best sport. Well. The jury is still out. Incredible.
“Davion is exceptional,” Chris Masse explained. “Neumann had a no-fear dog mentality during their postseason run. Davion was the leader, and he is a whole kennel in one. As talented as he is, the insatiable desire to compete and win has always surpassed. Davion has the tools, but so do a lot of elite athletes. What separates him is his heart.”
I still marvel at Davion’s impressive junior season in hoops. I highly doubt it will ever be duplicated. He scored a staggering 783 points last season. And again. Teams were doing their very best to limit his touches. Davion was named the 2022 PIAA Class A Player of the Year. He averaged a district-best 26.1 points a game. Davion also tallied 7.9 rebs and 3.8 assists. He routinely dominated every game. Hill is now a three-time first-team all-state guard. His junior campaign was off the charts.
He was even better when SJNRA made their run. Davion averaged a staggering 29.2 points and 10.2 rebounds during the STATE playoffs. He was an absolute animal on both ends. It was incredible. Davion went for 31 and claimed 19 rebounds against Linville Hill. He then dropped 39 vs. Nativity in the semis. Davion scored 30 points in the State final. Davion has already tallied 1,876 points in just three years. He has helped SJNRA go 64-14 during that time. Impressive.
I had the privilege to coach Davion his first three years. And now that I am retired, I can truly appreciate how special he is. Sometimes us coaches are only as good as our horses. Davion Hill is a stallion, and he makes life completely miserable for his opponents. Football and basketball. He shines and stands out. I am excited to see what this year brings — what a stud.
Davion has a will and desire that may even match his talent. That is the scary truth. He continues to grow and is constantly getting better. He is a winner. A leader. A good kid to boot. The sky’s the limit for this young lad. Folks often ask me if he can play at the next level. I tell them ABSOLUTELY. What sport? Davion is just getting started. I am very proud of him and all he has accomplished. I haven’t met or seen anyone who has his entire package. Davion works so hard and will continue to turn heads. Regardless of where he lands — I am thankful I got to play a small part. Cheers.
