Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame

April 13, 2015 Hall of Fame Working

DAWAHARES/KHSAA HALL OF FAME
NOMINATION FORM AND INFORMATION

Information about Nominee:

Name: Ralph Davis, Jr.

Information about Person Making the Nomination:

Name: Jack Lykins

Address:
79 Lions Lane
Vanceburg, KY 41179

Category of Nomination:

Athlete

Gender:

Male

Minority?

Primary KHSAA Basketball Region: 16

Secondary KHSAA Basketball Region: 0

Athlete:

High School Attended: Lewis County HS

Year of Graduation: 1956

Nominee's Accomplishments at the High School Level in Kentucky:

Mr. Davis was an all-district basketball performer for 3 consecutive years, scoring 1800 points. In 1956, he averaged 26.4 ppg with 18 rebounds, leading him to be named second-team all-state. Forced to play out of position at center in high school because he was the team’s tallest player, Davis used the experience to his advantage and forged an all-state, all-American and professional career. Davis graduated in 1956 as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,476 points. Davis was a member of the 1953 VHS team that won 26 games and advanced to the 16th Region championship game. As a senior Davis led the Lions to a 20-7 record and the EKC tournament title in 1956. He averaged 27 points and 18 rebounds per game as a senior and was named second-team all-state, the highest recognition for any VHS/LCHS basketball player in history. Davis set the school record for points in a game at the time with 41. Davis led VHS to a four-year record of 72-46. Moved to his more natural position of point guard in college, Davis enjoyed a standout career at the University of Cincinnati, where the Bearcats qualified for the Final Four in his junior and senior seasons. He was named honorable mention All-American as a senior and was the leading scorer in the East-West College All-Star game. He played two seasons in the NBA – one for the Cincinnati Royals (1960-61) and one for the Chicago Packers (1961-62). Davis is the only VHS/LCHS athlete to have his jersey retired. Davis was inducted into the University of Cincinnati Hall of Fame 1981.