Follow the leader: Modesto Christian point guard Grays develops in Ellis’ shadow

For most of his basketball life, Darrian Grays has followed a path blazed by longtime teammate and friend Christian Ellis.

The Modesto Christian point guards ran with the same Amateur Athletic Union team in elementary school – the Division I All-Stars – and even then Grays said he could sense something special about the older Ellis.

Today, Ellis, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior, is the unquestioned general of the Crusaders, the sixth-ranked team in the state.

Modesto Christian began the season ranked No. 1 in Northern California by Cal-Hi Sports, a perch afforded to it because of Ellis’ presence. He, along with 6-foot-10 forward Robinson Idehen, give Modesto Christian a formidable 1-2 punch.

Ellis is a reigning Modesto Bee All-District first-team selection and member of the MaxPreps All-Northern California team. He is as strong on the ball as he is flying through the lane.

But look closely, Grays is developing quickly in his shadow. The junior has become a key contributor off the bench for head coach Richard Midgley, who is also grooming sophomore Tyler Williams.

“It’s huge,” Midgley said of having depth at the point-guard position. “Tyler is injured right now. He’s our sophomore guard and he’s similar (to Grays) in that way. We can sub them in and there’s really not any drop-off. We’re deep this year. We have a lot talented players. When their name is called, they’re stepping up.”

Grays’ moment came on Wednesday evening during a 69-28 rout of Beyer, a fast-rising program thirsting for a victory over its conference rival. The Crusaders and Patriots were tied at 5-0 in the Modesto Metro Conference standings, but the disparity between the two programs was clear almost from the start.

Modesto Christian scored at will – inside and out, on the run and in the half-court – and then watched the Patriots flounder from beyond the three-point line.

Modesto Christian had little to worry about. Even Ellis’ foul trouble was rendered a non-factor because of his understudy.

Ellis went to the bench late in the first quarter after picking up his second foul. That created an opportunity for Grays, who, with Williams in street clothes, logged the second-most minutes with 26.

He finished with eight points, seven rebounds, five assists and no turnovers, each well above his season averages. In 16 appearances, Grays is averaging 5.25 points, 2.13 rebounds and 1.75 assists.

“He looked excellent. I don’t know if he had any turnovers, but he played really solid, played good defense and got us into our offense,” Midgley said. “He did excellent; very steady.”

Starter Jordan Hollins-Buckner said Grays takes the floor with the same level of intensity as Ellis, which makes sense. Grays has been emulating Ellis since the fifth grade.

“I don’t consider Darrian a bench player. I consider him another starter,” said Hollins-Buckner, who, like Grays, had a stellar all-around performance against Beyer. Hollins-Buckner had 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

“He can come in and keep the same intensity that the starters have. When he comes off the bench, he does what he has to do.”

Grays helped give Modesto Christian a 33-15 cushion at the half with five points, including a three-pointer from the wing to stymie Beyer’s only push.

The Patriots went on an 8-0 run to pull within 14-10. Grays’ three-pointer made it 19-10 and his layup moments later gave the Crusaders’ a double-digit lead they would never relinquish.

“I want to come off the bench and give good energy, play good defense, knock down open shots – do whatever the team needs me to do,” Grays said. “This was a chance for me to show what I can do and handle the team with good poise. I’ve got to take over the team (when Ellis isn’t on the floor). He’s the leader, and I’ve got to replace the leader.”

In time, he may become the unquestioned general of the Crusaders. For now, though, he’s content to learn and grow in the shadows of a player he holds in the highest regard.

“I’ve grown up with Christian since we were this big,” Grays said, holding his hand near his hip. “I look up to him like a big brother. I learn from him in practice. I look and see what he does; copy the things he does.”

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 12:26 AM with the headline "Follow the leader: Modesto Christian point guard Grays develops in Ellis’ shadow."