What does Holmes need to do to improve in 2010/2011? What do they need to keep doing to be sucessful? Remember, please be constructive.

Holmes should be very fun to watch this year if they bring the fast pace in your face game. They may change the 9th. region.

Holmes should be very fun to watch this year if they bring the fast pace in your face game. They may change the 9th. region.

 

What does Holmes have returning that will fit into the new style of play that coach Booher will put into place?

What does Holmes have returning that will fit into the new style of play that coach Booher will put into place?

 

Unlike previous years where Holmes had a lot of size, they will be more of a guard oriented team this year that likes to get up and down the floor and force turnovers, much like the 08 team that made it to the state championship with no players over 6'5.

 

Returning conributors from last year are 6'0 Chris Hayes and 6'6 Kevon Rice. Hayes was a big spark for the Bulldogs last year off the bench and scored in double digits several games. He has a sweet stroke from outside and defensively could end up being the best guard in the 9th region.

 

Rice started for the Dogs last year most of the season but ended up being benched late in the season. Regardless, for him to start with last years' group should tell you how talented the kid is and how much potential he has. He has the ability to knock down the 3 at 6'6, but if he becomes more aggressive and attacks the rim instead of settling for jumpers, he instantly becomes one of the best players in the 9th.

 

Other returning seniors are 6'2 Jaleel Gray and 5'11 Pierre Mayfield. Gray is an explosive guard that has a quiet game but before you know it, you look up and he's in doubledigits. He can flat out jump out of the gym and rebounds very well for a guard. Mayfield will be counted on to handle some of the pg duties but his specialty in on defense. He was brought in a lot last year for defensive stops and he delivered. He probably led the team last year in 5 second calls on the opposition. He has a high motor and a lot of energy. Think Ryan Williams from your Cards two years ago.

 

The junior class is very intriguing. They are led by 6'4 Dontel Rice, who by all accounts, could end up being the best player on this team. If you remember that 07 Holmes team, his game is very similar to his older cousin Greg Rice. Dontel might actually be better though. He is more explosive off the dribble, has a better mid range game, and can guard anyone on the floor because of his athleticism. He will likely be inserted in to the starting lineup to play the 3 or 4.

 

Other members of the junior class are 6'1 Charles Knox, 6'5 Hunter Hoskins, 5'10 Ja'Keith Pitts, and 5'11 Darrez Waller. Knox starts TE and MLB for the Holmes football team is is simply a banger than can come in and give you intensity off the bench. He is very strong so he will be able to play against other 3's with more size. Hoskins is a solid big man that can come in and give you defense off the bench. He has underrated athleticism and reminds me a lot of Terrence Clark from the 08' class. Simply in the right place at the right time. Pitts is the unknown. He didn't play last year but as a freshman and this past summer, he was very difficult to stop for opposing teams. He is a combination of Holmes' two recent successful pg's....Braeon Avery and Jamel Riley. He has the quickness and athleticism of Avery, but can spot up and hit the 3 like Riley. Other teams this past summer would gameplan to stop him and him alone. He could give Holmes the pg play that they need to be successful this year.

 

The sophomore class is what has a lot of the Bulldog faithful excited though. This is the the "next big class" to come through that Holmes usually has every few years. They include 6'4 Desean Peterson, 6'1 Quan Palmer, 6'1 Englemon, and 6'0 Rashawn Coston. This group made it to the freshman championship this past year before bowing out to Scott in an exciting back and forth game. Peterson is also a starting WR for the Holmes football team, where he is already considered a high major prospect. Definetly one of the most athletic kids in the nky area and possibly the state for his age. Palmer, Englemon, and Coston were all apart of the NKY TarHeels team that finished 8th at nationals last summer and Palmer was a starter on the team. In basketball terms, he could be the best player in this class. He is very talented.

 

I'd assume that Jaylen Avery will also be apart of the varsity roster as a freshman as well. He is likely the best of the bunch of Avery's that has come through the Holmes' program over the past 5 years. A starter on the aformentioned TarHeels team above, while being younger than everyone else, this kid is a very good pg and as we all know, pg play wins at the high school level.

 

Holmes by all accounts, should be loaded with athleticism this coming year and for years to come. How that translates to Booher's system is left to be seen. With this group though, I know nothing short of a region championship is expected. They'll definetly have the speed, athleticism, and depth to play an uptempo game for 4 quarters though.

Avery went to Holy Cross with Mcclendon and Beal. From what I hear Pitts is not there either.

From what I heard, Pitts enrolled at Boone today and will start school there tomorrow.

Avery went to Holy Cross with Mcclendon and Beal. From what I hear Pitts is not there either.

 

From what I heard, Pitts enrolled at Boone today and will start school there tomorrow.

 

Anyone know why? Interesting that Holmes has lost 4 kids now since the departure of Henley. (Stephens, Pitts, McClendon, Avery)

 

I know McClendon's uncle is an assistant at HC, but Stephens, Pitts, and Avery all leaving surprises me, especially Avery. His brother and cousins all came through Holmes.

Avery went to Holy Cross with Mcclendon and Beal. From what I hear Pitts is not there either.

 

From what I heard, Pitts enrolled at Boone today and will start school there tomorrow.

 

Anyone know why? Interesting that Holmes has lost 4 kids now since the departure of Henley. (Stephens, Pitts, McClendon, Avery)

 

I know McClendon's uncle is an assistant at HC, but Stephens, Pitts, and Avery all leaving surprises me, especially Avery. His brother and cousins all came through Holmes.

 

 

Will all of these kids be eligible to play at the new school they will be attending?

Avery is definitely at Holy Cross. With McClendon, Beal and Avery along with Jake Berger I would expect this to be a very fun team to watch over the next couple years. Holy Cross will struggle in the paint but they will have some playmakers.

Englemon and Coston were not on the Tarheel team that finished 8th in Memphis last summer. They were also not on the team this year.

Will all of these kids be eligible to play at the new school they will be attending?

 

I believe Pitts will be eligible because his family has moved into the district and he has not played any varsity. I believe Stephens will have to sit out a year. He has not dressed for football yet.

Englemon and Coston were not on the Tarheel team that finished 8th in Memphis last summer. They were also not on the team this year.

 

I thought Coston was apart of that team? I know Palmer started for them.

Will all of these kids be eligible to play at the new school they will be attending?

 

McClendon played some varsity last year as a frosh so not sure if he'll be ruled eligible or not.

 

Avery was only an 8th grader last year so he'd be eligible right away if he is brought up to varsity this year. Definetly a big blow to Holmes to lose both of these kids. They were considered the "future" of Holmes basketball. The current soph class made it to the freshman championship without McClendon this past year, so that alone is proof enough that the soph class is still very talented without him.

Holmes also lost a very talented 8th grader (M. McClendon) to Holy Cross.

I think the most immediate effext on losing these players is depth. To play Boohers pressing style effectively you either need the depth to be able to give kids a blow or you better be the most conditioned team in the area. When you get tired you either lose that step physically or lose that focus mentally.

 

Should be an interesting transition for Holmes this season.