Jared Jenson
The Paducah Sun
May 22, 2025
Used with permission.
Taking over a high school basketball program that has as rich a history as the Paducah Tilghman boys basketball program does can seem like a daunting task, but newly hired head coach David Davis is up for the challenge.
With a successful coaching resume already established at Meridian High School for the past four years, Davis understands the importance of winning and is honored with the opportunity to continue the winning tradition at Paducah Tilghman High School.
“(This opportunity) means a lot to me,” Davis said. “It tells me where I’m at in live, where I’m at with my talent and skill that God has gave me and what I’ve got to give to these great young men. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure I do that.”
With a record of 101-43 as a coach and another record of 105-22 as a high school athlete, Davis knows a thing or two about winning basketball games. He says it doesn’t matter who his team is playing or where they are playing; the moment they step between the lines, they are always ready to play.
“Character, confidence, and trust is everything,” Davis said. “It doesn’t matter what level (of basketball) you’re on, if you’ve got those three things, you’ve got the keys for success.”
Davis takes over a Blue Tornado program that put on a 17-12 record this past season under Greg Overstreet. A season that saw impressive wins of St. Mary, Graves County and McCracken County and a Second District Championship. That 2024-25 team had four seniors on it that will be missed, but has a deep lineup of younger talent that Davis is excited to get in the gym with.
“It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be exciting,” Davis said. “I’m excited to see what it brings when we are able to get in the gym with these guys daily, see what they can pull out of the bag. So we are thrilled to see what we can do with this team and see how far we can really go.”
He won’t have to wait long to get the Blue Tornado in the gym, as high school basketball teams fill their Summer breaks with tournaments.
“I’ve already talked to a few of the guys that are returning,” Davis said. “I understand we have a really great freshman group that’s coming in. They seem like they are ready to buy in and really build this brotherhood.”