Holmes is not the perennial powerhouse anymore. They have had some exceptional players who have really raised the program to a different level over the past 10 yrs with Pittman, Johnson's, Beetle, etc Even though they have some nice talent this year I don't see any D-1 talent coming up in the program anytime soon. Maybe @Walter can expound on that though.

 

Nobody expected the kids you mentioned above to end up being as good as they were. Beetle had a little buzz from putting up big numbers in middle school on the AAU circuit but the knock on him was always his size.

 

Pittman didn't become a D1 prospect until he shot up from 6'3/6'4 to 6'7 from his sophomore to junior year.

 

They have some nice talent coming up in the middle school ranks but too early to tell right now how good they will end up being.

 

You also have to remember that 3 of the players you mentioned above are likely in the top 10 for all time greats to ever come through Holmes. That type of talent doesn't come around very often.

D1 talent or not, I thoroughly enjoy watching this version of the Bulldogs go to work. Coach Listerman really seems to have these guys' attention and respect, and he has shaped them into a fierce hard working run-you-to-death feisty quick handed defensively cohesive TEAM where everyone knows their role and gives 100% spirited effort.

 

They play the entire game with no lapses and even if they're down in a game they understand the benefit of keeping at it to still be in it and have a chance toward the end of the contest.

 

Their starting 5 and a few of their bench players have really stepped up to make themselves known as solid contributors, and though they work hard as a TEAM it's hard not to notice the exceptional player that Hollis is, and for my money a no doubt Top 10 player in the region. Whether or not he's considered D1 (which I actually think that he is) he's definitely a next level player that has incredible game instincts and is a fierce spirited competitor who plays to win. With naming him specifically I'm not taking anything away from the other guys whose effort makes it a joy to watch this TEAM in action.

 

Whether or not they measure up to CovCath or Cooper this season, this bunch has nothing to be ashamed of, and I know for certain that those aforementioned teams better not sleep on the Dogs or the story might have surprising results.