Davion Luckett started playing basketball when he was five, at Venom Sports, being coached by former NBA player Acie Earl. Then in third grade, Luckett started playing for Team Iowa for one year, and going to Iowa Elite the next year. A few years later, he started playing for Dream Chasers. Now Luckett plays AAU for Murray Elite (formerly Iowa Barnstormers) during the summer and fall.
During fifth grade, Luckett started playing tackle football for West High’s fifth and sixth grade YSF (Youth Sports Foundation). He planned to play football at North West Junior High during seventh grade, but missed a year because fall sports were cancelled for middle school. The next year he came back and played eighth grade football, finding a love for the sport that rivaled basketball.
Luckett played football at West High his freshman year, playing alongside some top prospects in the class of 2026 at West. The next year after transferring, Luckett would play in six varsity games as a sophomore, starting against Joliet Catholic and playing on the majority of the special teams, while recording two solo tackles as a safety in the first game of the season against Joliet Catholic. Then in his junior year campaign, Luckett started all ten games the football team played this season, from Joliet to Ankeny Centennial. In that frame he proved himself to be one of the most worthy assets on defense. He recorded 47.5 tackles and 28 of those being solo tackles. He played both safety and cornerback during his sophomore and junior years, and plans to do the same for his next and final season as a Little Hawk. Luckett earned First Team All-Conference in the MVC, and district honorable mention during his junior year.
“I feel like everyone really comes together at City High. In the West, everybody is really individualized, and there is a spotlight on just a couple of different people. But at City, I feel like everyone gets a fair shot, and everybody does get a chance for any position.” Davion Luckett ‘26 said.
Starting at West High his freshman year of high school, he played football as a freshman at West, but Luckett was unhappy with the West High basketball program. Luckett was unhappy with the West High basketball program, so at the end of the first trimester his freshman year, he transferred to City. He played on the sophomore team as a freshman at City. His sophomore year, Luckett was a pivotal piece on the varsity team despite a bad season. He recorded 24 rebounds, 29 assists, 13 steals, two blocks, and 36 turnovers. He also played in all 21 games last season. He is one of two returning players from last year’s team to this year’s squad. This year, the basketball team has a new head coach, along with some new assistants after a disappointing 2023-2024 season. There have been challenges this year even with the new staff, but Luckett thinks the dynamic is better nevertheless.
“We’ve been coming out flat. And once we do find our groove it’s seems too late because we’re down by double digits,” Luckett said.
So far into his junior year, under an entirely new coaching staff, Luckett has started all six games. He’s averaging 7.6 points per game, which is the second on the team, 32 % from three, three and a half assists per game, and 12 steals on the season. Throughout the season, Luckett has been proving himself by the stats and by his leadership skills to be one of the most mature and advanced players on the team.
“I feel like we could have a better plan going into games and better preparation during the week, but I like the new coaches, it seems like it’s going to be turned around going forward. Hopefully by the end of this year, but if not this year then next year.” Luckett said.
During the summers, Luckett has to balance having AAU basketball all summer, often in different states like Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas. Then, he participates in City High’s summer football program, which runs four to five days a week in the early mornings. Luckett will continue to play football and basketball for his senior year at City High.
“Just being out on the court or the field, sharing memories with my friends, especially the ones that brought me here to the City is special.” Luckett said.
Luckett has led the team this year in stats and as starting point guard, only missing one game due to injury. Despite a rough season so far, Luckett has remained a leader notwithstanding of being an underclassman.
