South Christian grad bets on himself, signs with a Division I program
Davis Kemper plays with South Christian at the Cornerstone Holiday Tournament on Dec. 27, 2024. He signed to play at Division I Saint Joseph University. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Davis Kemper bet on himself and it’s paid off.
The 2025 grad of Grand Rapids South Christian High School committed to Saint Joseph’s University, a Division I basketball program in Philadelphia.
“I wasn’t sure if going to play at a prep school was the right decision,” Kemper said. “But I trusted the process and trusted the Lord’s plan. Saint Joe saw something in me and believed in me. The head coach believed in me and I’m going to a program that I’m loved and wanted.”
Kemper had a few offers out of high school last spring. But decided to play for the Athletes in Action Prep Academy basketball team, which is based in Xenia, Ohio.
“In August, I went down to AIA Prep in Xenia,” he said. “It’s a strong Christian ministry. There’s no schooling. Just focused on training and developing. I’ve played over 40 games up until two weeks ago. We traveled across the country playing.”
Kemper wasn’t on St. Joe’s radar at first. But a chance encounter changed everything.
“We went down playing IMG Academy,” he said of the prep school in Bradenton, Fla. “The Saint Joe assistant (Chris Flegler) was down there watching a kid play from IMG. We were playing on another court and he saw me play and got interested.”
During the prep season, Kemper averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
He said he’s also grown since graduating from South Christian.
“I’ve grown at least a half inch,” he said. “I’m a legit 6-8 and my basketball height is 6-9 with shoes on.”
Saint Joseph’s a Division I school that plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference and is coached by Steve Donahue. The team was 24-12 this season.
South Christian’s Davis Kemper gets a hand from coach Taylor Johnson at the Cornerstone Holiday Tournament on Dec. 27, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).