UNION — Douglas “D-Wade” Brannon, a point guard for the Sims boys basketball team, was selected to the PeachTree All-Conference Team for 2012-2013.
“It means a lot to me to be chosen,” said Brannon. “It’s probably one of the best awards I have ever received.”
One of just two returning players from last year’s team, the two-year starter was an instant leader in 2012. In addition to being the teams’ primary ball handler, Brannon was also one of the leading scorers for Sims.
“Douglas was a very crucial player for us this year,” said Sims Head Basketball Coach Cam Willis. “We were a different team when he wasn’t on the floor so he was forced to play a lot of minutes.
Brannon’s coach said the standout guard has grow both physically and mentally over the past year and a half. “I saw Douglas’ potential as a seventh grader. He was a role player on last year’s team but this year he had to elevate his game, and he did.”
Brannon recalled his final game as a Tiger and said it was one he’d never forget.
“I hit a half court buzzer beater at the end of the third quarter,” said Brannon. “That was probably the most memorable moment of the season for me. I think that was probably my team’s most memorable game too.”
Willis agreed that the win over Woodruff in the season finale was a gratifying one. He also noted that Brannon turned in an exceptional performance.
“He played extremely well in the Woodruff game,” said Willis. “He was in control on offense and he pushed the tempo to help us convert some easy baskets whether it be scoring or finding the open man. He was very active defensively and it seemed like every time Woodruff made a run at us Douglas was there making a play for us to help maintain the lead and get the eventual victory.”
Willis nicknamed Brannon “D-Wade” last year and the alias stuck.
“I thought he looked like Dwyane Wade from the Miami Heat,” Willis explained. “He even wore number three like D-Wade this year so I guess he liked the name.”
Brannon will move up to the Union County JV team next season and he said he’ll miss his coach as well as his days at Sims. At the same time, he’s anxious to become a contribution to UCHS’s basketball program.
“I plan on contributing to the team a lot even if it means coming off of the bench and playing,” said Brannon. “My goal is to just get better and have a successful career.”
Willis feels sure that Brannon will be an asset to UCHS right away. “Douglas has definitely been our ‘X factor’ all year,” said Willis. “He is at his best when he is aggressive. When he looks to attack the basket he is a better player and he made our team a better team. If he continues to work hard on his game, he’s going to do well.”
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