Hibbett | City Gear Recognizes 4 Outstanding Student Athletes – Meet the Honorees

Student athletes are special. These teens learn at an early age how to juggle their school work with practices, games and weekend tournaments, family time, community involvement, and normal teen activities like hanging out with friends.

These students are outstanding. In honor of the upcoming Jordan Zion 1 ‘Marion’ launch, we’ve identified four outstanding student-athletes, specifically youth basketball players, that have demonstrated a ‘Run The Court, Change the World’ mentality. These athletes show determination, character, and excellence both on the court and off.

This year, we are honoring Sole School students Tye Gholar of Provide High School in Ridgeland, MS; Deborah Davenport of Woodward High School in Cincinnati, OH; Ryan Wilson of Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, AL; and De’Zirae White of North Forest High School in Houston, TX.

These young athletes, nominated by their principals, are known to be highlight machines in their play on the basketball court and in their involvement with the school and their communities. They maintain a down-to-earth attitude exemplified by balancing being an active member of the basketball team and excelling in the classroom as well as in their off-court interests.

Meet the Athletes

Ryan Wilson, Woodlawn High School Class of 2022

Ryan Wilson plays basketball for the Woodlawn High School Colonels. A very dedicated student athlete, Ryan is always in the gym working on his moves and improving his game. His coaches revere him as one of the most hardworking young men they’ve had the pleasure of coaching.

Both on the court and off, Ryan demonstrates excellent leadership qualities, consistently taking younger players under his wing to mentor in basketball and in life. He volunteers at the local gym helping kids hone their basketball skills and offering them advice on how to be the best players and people they can be.

As he continues improving and developing his talents, Ryan’s coaches look forward to seeing him take his many talents to the college level upon graduation.

Deborah Davenport, Woodward High School Class of 2022

Deborah Davenport plays basketball for the Woodward High School Bulldogs. She is a relentless player who works hard to be the best while pushing her teammates to be the best alongside her. Her coaches see her as a team motivator, breaking down the game for her teammates and building their confidence on the court.

A dynamo player, Deborah broke two school records this past season (blocks in a game, 15 and points in a game, 27) while also having a quadruple-double, multiple triple-doubles, and several double-doubles.

Deborah is a selfless person who cares deeply for her community and as a member of Woodward High’s Student Athletic Leader Team (SALT,) she has been part of toy drives, Thanksgiving food pantries, and Seniors Valentines Day giveback events. Deborah shines as a pillar in her community for her willingness to always go the extra mile to help her school, team, and neighbors.

Tye Gholar, Provine High School Class of 2023

Tye plays basketball for the Provine High School Rams in Ridgeland, Mississippi. He excels on the court by going out every day and putting in work to get better at what he loves: basketball.

Tye is disciplined. He listens to his coach and values communication with his teammates. He credits his quick decision-making skills for his ability to make the right moves during gameplay and believes being in tune with everyone’s roles on the team is essential to success on the court.

Within his community, Tye leads by example, serving as an ambassador for his school and teaching younger players the ways of the game. Tye also gives back to the community by shopping local.

De’Zirae White, North Forest High School Class of 2021

De’Zirae White is a 5-sport athlete with the North Forest High School Bulldogs athletics program. Three years ago, she earned her letterman with the basketball program and started in every game during her junior and senior years. During her high school playing days, De’Zirae has also helped the women’s volleyball and softball teams advance to the playoffs, track to win district and advance to the area meet, and win district, area, regionals, and 5th in the Wrestling State Championship.

She is an exceptional athlete on and off the court whose coaches say exhibits great leadership skills with her teammates and has always been very coachable. In their eyes, De’Zirae exemplifies and embodies the true definition of a student athlete.

No matter if it is in sports, school, or in the community, De’Zirae is an all-around champion. She was named Ms. North Forest in 2020, mentors and tutors peers as part of the NFHS Association on the high school’s campus. De’Zirae is also part of the Student Council, mentors and motivates upcoming female student athletes on campus, and is leaving high school with more than 200 hours of community service.