For Maya Davidson, adversity has brought even more clarity to her senior season. It’s been a struggle this year for the Guy-Perkins Lady Thunderbirds 7-16 (1-11), but Davidson hasn’t lost focus on what’s truly important to her. 

“I try to always have a positive outlook with everything I do,” Davidson said. “I don’t want to take anything for granted.”

Every step of the way, basketball has always been about family for Maya, who has played alongside her twin sister, Sydney, since peewee basketball. 

“My dad inspired me to play basketball in the third grade and has been my biggest fan other than my mom and my No. 1 supporter, Sydney,” Maya said. “I fell in love with the game. Sydney inspires me. She is literally my other half, my encourager and my biggest cheerleader. She’s the one who has inspired me to always be my best self in everything.”

Maya, a senior guard/forward for Guy-Perkins, was selected to this year’s 501 Basketball Team — 41 players representing the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the court. The team is sponsored by Conway Regional Health System, First Security Bank and Conway Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center. The senior was nominated by her head coach, Keane Guiden. 

“Maya’s best qualities on the court include shooting from the perimeter and driving the basketball to the rim,” Guiden wrote in her nomination. “She is going to give her teammates the best she has on a nightly basis. Off the court, she has an outgoing personality and willingness to help others. She strives to do her best in the classroom in all subjects and is friendly to other students. She gives back to the community by helping and encouraging young students to be the best version of themselves.”

Maya volunteers in the local peewee basketball program. She also stays involved in many fundraising endeavors for the Guy-Perkins Athletic Department and PTO. She’s a member of the Beta Club and student council. 

As she enters the final few weeks of her high school basketball career, Maya wants to take every last opportunity to give back to Guy-Perkins basketball and leave a positive legacy for her teammates and both current and future Lady Thunderbirds. 

“I’ve learned to never give up on myself or my team when the going gets tough during a game,” Davidson said. “I just have to keep a good attitude and keep listening to my coach. To finish strong, we need to play together as a team, talk on defense and have more trust in ourselves on the court.”

Davidson and Guy-Perkins return to action at Shirley at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24.