The ‘Magic’ Of Giving Back In Mesquite

By AMY DAVIS

The Progress

Sometimes a community gathers together to rally around a person in need in the form of a fundraiser.

What that community might not expect is that, when they bless the life of one, that life can end up blessing the lives of many. This is just the situation with local youth basketball coach, Koko Davis.

Davis is the founder of a basketball team called Mesquite Magic. The team has over 100 players from 2nd grade through high school that make up 10 different teams. Nine coaches volunteer their time to work with the team. Without these coaches, the size of the program would simply be impossible.

Mesquite Magic is free to anyone who wants to participate. Games are played in the very competitive Nets on Fire League in St. George, Utah.

Mesquite Magic just brought home two 1st place trophies, four 2nd place trophies and one 3rd place in league play. These recognitions have made it very clear that the team is a force to be reckoned with.

This team would have existed if not for a fundraiser held some four years ago on the grounds of Virgin Valley Elementary School for Koko Davis.

In 2017, hundreds of community members from both Mesquite and Logandale, gathered to raise funds in order to buy a handicap accessible truck for Davis who suffered an injury in 8th grade that left him paralyzed. The generosity of the community raised more than $36,000 and allowed Koko to buy his vehicle. Davis’ truck can often be seen driving through town full of kids that he is taking to practice.

Because a community gave Koko independence, he has been able to give more back to the community.
“The Mesquite Magic Basketball Program would not have been a success without the vision of one man,” said Coach Shane Hughes. “Koko has given countless hours of his time, talents and knowledge to this program. It means so much to so many.”

Hughes said that Koko and his Mesquite Magic program has been inclusive of kids who would have otherwise had no place to go to play the game.

“He just wants to see the kids succeed and doesn’t ask for anything in return,” Hughes said. “I am so proud to rub shoulders with this giant of a man.”

And still the community continues to give. Dan Wright of Bank of Nevada has been instrumental in helping establish Mesquite Magic as a non-profit organization. Mesquite local, Bill Mitchell, of Farmers Insurance, has generously sponsored the team. And the Kids For Sports Foundation awarded the team their largest scholarship ever of $10,000. This community involvement is what has made Mesquite Magic possible.

“Koko starting the Mesquite Magic team has been such a huge blessing for our family,” said Coach Jared Noel. “My kids have improved so much,. Having that fundraiser to get him a truck has given him the ability to help so many youth in the Virgin Valley community.”

It should be noted that players also travel 5 to seven hours away just to compete with Koko’s teams.
“Our sons Beau and Kole have benefited immensely from working with Koko,” said Coach Eric Garret.

“They have learned new skills and what being part of a team is about. Koko is a wonderful coach and mentor who is dedicated to our community.”

“This basketball team has given my kids something to look forward to during the dark and dismal days of COVID,” said Heather Blazzard, whose husband, Alex, also coaches for the program.

Koko’s brother Ben Davis, who has two kids on the team, said that he often thinks of the future of how the Mesquite Magic program will impact the kids as they grow and develop.

“Obviously it might manifest itself in state titles (for high school),” Ben Davis said. “But just as importantly, kids are learning that the skills that sports teach you translate into life.”

“Obviously a major takeaway for any of these kids, like it has been for me throughout my life, is watching Koko overcome hardship and still find a way to thrive in life,” Ben Davis said. “Mesquite magic was aptly named because it was born from the magic of giving. ”