Career milestones for Atwater girls basketball coach, Stone Ridge Christian star
Atwater High girls basketball coach JR Davis was doused with water bottles by players to celebrate his 200th career win earlier this week.
Davis reached the milestone following a 90-58 victory at Hughson on Monday night.
“It means a lot with all these years we’ve put in,” Davis said. “It’s not just the wins. It’s seeing all these girls I’ve coach evolve into teachers, coaches, or joining the military.”
In his 14th season as the Falcons coach, Davis has compiled a 200-154 record and won four Central California Conference championships.
“When I first started, my main goal was I didn’t want to be one of those coaches who had more losses than wins,” Davis said. “If I got to 100 losses before 100 wins, I said I would step away. Now I tell myself I’ll keep doing it until I’m not having fun anymore.
“Now each year, I seemed to be having more and more fun.”
Davis was aware he was approaching the milestone because he finished last season with 196 career wins. However, after a tough weekend, he kind of forgot 200 win was on the horizon.
His players didn’t forget.
As soon as the team came out of the locker room, the players showered Davis with water. They also made signs congratulating Davis on 200 wins.
SRC star scores 1,000th career point
Stone Ridge Christian junior Kassius Salazar became the first Knights boys basketball player to score 1,000 career points.
Salazar reached the milestone Monday night during a 79-35 loss to Modesto Christian.
“It feels good,” Salazar said. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed about growing up, but I never thought I’d do it.”
Salazar joins former girls player Caitlyn Cole in the 1,000-points club.
“It’s definitely a milestone,” said Stone Ridge coach Tyler Rogers. “It’s special and it’s crazy that he’s done it only three years.”
It’s taken a lot of work over the years for Salazar.
“He’s a guy who is always in the gym,” Rogers said. “He’s always getting up shots. I’m nothing but happy for him.”
Salazar is averaging 17.4 points per game this year. With another season left to go, he could make a run at 2,000 points.
“I definitely put in a lot of work and it’s nice to see that hard work pay off,” Salazar said. “It shows what hard work can do.”
This story was originally published December 7, 2023 at 4:21 PM.
