Sims finds home in mountains
Former Gaffney star retuns to area Thursday at Wofford
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

DONALD SIMS

Donald Sims got his wish - albeit probably a couple years later than he wanted.

Sims, a 2-year starter at guard for the Gaffney Indians, has become a major contributor on the collegiate level, earning a starting role and scoring in double figures for the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

For the season, the freshman point guard is averaging 10.2 points and 2.4 assists.

His shooting accuracy is even more impressive, with a field goal percentage of 46, including 44 percent from the 3-point line. He's also shooting a remarkable 91 percent from the foul line.

Sims is headlining a team now after spending the last two seasons at a prep school. Sims used the time at Fork Union to make the conversion from shooting guard to point guard.

"I'm glad I stayed two years there," Sims said. "It made me a better decision-maker with the ball." But Sims never lost his scoring touch, averaging 22 points a game and six assists last year at Fork Union.

Sims said he picked Appalachian State because of its style of play and the chance to receive immediate playing time.

"They have a good system here," he said. "It's helped my game because we are up tempo. They had a senior at point guard last year, so I knew I'd have a chance to play."

Sims said he benefitted from coming off the bench earlier in the season.

"The coach did a good job by letting me get comfortable," he said. "I got to learn first by watching."

But Sims didn't stay a reserve for long after a 24-point explosion in an upset win over Southeastern Conference power Arkansas on Dec. 22.

He has started the last three games, scoring 13 points against East Tennessee State, nine against the College of Charleston and seven versus The Citadel.

Sims said he's not surprised he's making an impact at Appalachian State.

"I have put in a lot of hard work," he said. "I went to summer school and put a lot of time in with the coaches and I shot a lot."

Gaffney coach Mark Huff said Sims' work ethic is paying dividends.

"I'm just tickled to see how well Donald is doing," Huff said. "He went to Fork Union for two years to make himself better. Not a lot of players would have stayed there for two years, but he did to improve his game. His work ethic is paying off."

His work ethic was evident at Gaffney, too, as he went from a complementary player on championship teams with Sidney Rice and AZ Reid to a starring role on another state title team as a senior.

Sims returns to the area Thursday when the Mountaineers visit Southern Conference rival Wofford. Sims expects many family and friends to be on hand.

"There will be a lot of folks there, but at the same time I don't want to put too much pressure on myself."