Eli Davis: Rewriting the Standard at Bonney Lake

Meet Eli Davis, a senior at Bonney Lake High School whose rise has been defined by patience, persistence, and an unrelenting drive to get better. Now standing 6-foot-7 and anchoring the Panthers as a versatile forward, Davis has grown into one of the most impactful two-way players in the SPSL South 4A. From earning First Team All-League honors and Co-Defensive MVP as a junior to helping lead Bonney Lake to a historic 7–0 start this season, Davis’s story is one of steady growth, and a belief that the best is still ahead.

A Journey Built on Patience

There’s a quiet confidence about Eli Davis these days, the kind that comes from work put in long before the spotlight ever found him.

His high school career didn’t begin with varsity minutes or expectations of stardom. Davis started at Puyallup High School as a C-team/JV swing player before a move during the summer of his freshman year brought him to Bonney Lake.

“I started my high school career at Puyallup High School as a C team/JV swing player,” Davis said. “Then during the summer of my freshman year, my dad and stepmom bought a house in Bonney Lake, which put me at BLHS.”

The transition didn’t bring instant success, but it did bring opportunity.

Steady Growth, Real Progress

Davis spent his sophomore season splitting time between JV and varsity, earning limited minutes at the highest level. Rather than being discouraged, he leaned into development.

From there, the growth was undeniable.

By his junior year, Davis had become one of the most complete players in the league, earning First Team All-League honors, Co-Defensive MVP for the SPSL South 4A, and an all-star selection. His emergence was also reflected statewide, as he climbed from unranked to 13th among small forwards in Washington.

Still, Davis remains focused on what lies ahead.

“I still have a lot more to prove this year,” he said.

A Team That’s Clicked

That hunger has translated directly into team success.

Bonney Lake enters winter break with a perfect 7–0 record, having handled most opponents convincingly. The lone close contest came against Olympia, but even in that battle, Davis believes the Panthers showed exactly who they are.

“The thing that has made everything click so well with this group is just our hunger to win,” he said. “Everyone has the same goals of making it to state and having an opportunity at a state championship, so we’re all doing our part.”

Just as important, the Panthers have checked their egos at the door.

“Nobody on the team has an ego or a selfish mentality,” Davis said.

Defense Sets the Tone

Defense has been the backbone of Bonney Lake’s early dominance, a point of pride for the entire roster.

“We all take pride in stopping the other team from scoring,” Davis said. “That helps us a lot in those tight games, such as Olympia.”

That defensive identity has created a sharper edge mentally as well.

“We know that we have a target on our backs because of us being undefeated and in first place up to this point,” Davis said. “So we know the work we have to keep putting in.”

Leading by Example

As one of the team’s seniors, Davis understands his responsibility goes beyond the stat sheet.

“With our team’s success, my role has been to be the leader of the group,” he said. “Besides scoring, rebounding, and defending, my responsibilities are to lead by example and be the best teammate I can be.”

That leadership, steady, vocal when needed, and consistent, has helped shape the culture of a team intent on rewriting what’s possible at Bonney Lake.

Recognition on a Bigger Stage

Davis’s impact has extended beyond league play and state borders.

While competing in a national tournament in Atlanta, Georgia with Northwest Drip 17U in the Adidas League, DT Media Group highlighted his versatility and two-way presence:

“Eli Davis is a versatile force who can stretch the floor on offense and dominate in the paint. He can step outside the three-point line and knock down shots with confidence, while also finishing strong under the basket. His athleticism and speed allow him to guard all five positions effectively, making him a defensive asset. Davis’s rebounding ability and two-way impact make him one of the most valuable players on the court.”

It’s a description that mirrors exactly what Panthers fans see night after night.

Eyes on the Next Level

As the season unfolds, college basketball remains firmly in Davis’s sights, though it hasn’t distracted him from the present.

“As of right now, I have not made a college decision,” Davis said. “I’m hoping to gain offers as the season continues. I’m focused on getting myself and my team where we want to be.”

What he’s seeking is clarity and connection.

“I want a coaching staff that will value what I can bring to the table as a two-way player,” he said. “Offense and defense, along with being a great rebounder and a three-level scorer. I want to feel at home.”

Academics matter just as much.

“A program that prioritizes the classroom and the court,” Davis added.

Rewriting History

For Davis and the Panthers, the mission this season is already historic.

“We’re already making history with being the first undefeated team in Bonney Lake history up to this point,” Davis said. “So we’re trying to keep rewriting history.”

That includes hopes of a deep postseason run, and perhaps more individual accolades along the way.

“For me personally, I want to add to my resume with a shot at league MVP, defensive MVP, and state MVP,” he said.

Beyond Basketball

When the gym lights turn off, Davis finds balance away from the grind.

“Not a lot of people know this, but I have siblings,” he said. “I have a sister who’s four, and a baby brother who’s almost one. Spending time with them is something I like to do when I’m not on the court.”

Music, video games, and Netflix round out his downtime, small resets that help fuel the bigger goals.

“Whatever I can do to take my mind off the constant grind of basketball,” he said.

Final Whistle

Eli Davis’s story isn’t one of instant success, it’s one of earned progress, belief, and momentum. And as Bonney Lake continues its historic run, one thing is clear: his story, much like this season, is still being written.