Team Preview: Holly Springs Golden Hawks

<p>Holly Springs is entering year two under Coach Rhodes and are on a mission to respond to a lackluster year. There were moments when the team took strides but were just a little too inconsistent. Four of their losses were by 2 possessions or less and the Golden Hawks played in three overtime games. Going toe to toe with Cardinal Gibbons showed how good the Golden Hawks could be when they play to their ceiling.</p>   <p>The best thing about having a young group is that they get more experience as they get older. Returning six of their top eight players is a big boost, along with some younger pieces the staff is high on. The depth is something the staff is excited about and after watching, I couldn't agree more. Versatility and shooting are also positives that should shine bright in year two for Coach Rhodes.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Junior Year JumP</h2>    <p>The expectations are high for the top returning scorer for the Golden Hawks. JP finished averaging just under 10 points per game and shot 34% from deep. To begin the year, JP scored 10+ points in three of his first four games. He hit a little bit of a wall in the middle of the year but ended the season strong, scoring double figures in four of the final seven games. Coach Rhodes is expecting a massive jump and more consistency from him this year.</p>   <p>He's improving his paint touches and ball handing to make his game more well-rounded. We saw some of this come to fruition this summer when he was playing for Sw15h Elite. Carrying over that momentum would raise the floor of the team. The shooting is without a doubt something that will give teams issues defending. However, as he gets more comfortable putting the ball on the floor, JP could be one of the more prolific scorers in the conference.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Surging Dual Sport Guard</h2>    <p>Stepping into a new role with more being asked of him will be Connor Gee. Last year he was more of an ancillary piece, but the staff is anticipating a massive leap from Connor. His football background as a safety tells you that he's a physical presence that does not mind contact. It's not just his downhill finishing that displays his physicality but on the defensive end, he's just as disruptive. Quick hands, feet and anticipation allow him to be one of the best on ball defenders on the team.</p>   <p>Offensively, Connor is just as versatile as he is on defense. He can create his own shot off the bounce or be a catch and shoot threat. Navigating off screens in half-court sets is also something he has excelled in. When coming off those actions, his footwork and balance are consistent which allows for a clean release that typically goes in. With expectations increasing, I believe Connor will be ready to provide two-way consistency for the Golden Hawks this year.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dynamic Freshman Duo</h2>    <p>There are no training wheels that will be on this freshman. Coach Rhodes wasn't shy about how much he expects from Tripp. Despite only being in high school for a few months, Caoch Rhodes praised his work ethic on the floor and in the weight room. Physically he's already got the frame and strength of a veteran. Tripp utilizes his strength well when getting downhill and converting at the rim. He absorbs contact and finishes through it possession after possession. Not only can he finish below the rim but can turn it over for highlight dunks that showcase his athleticism.</p>   <p>His ability to impact winning can't go without saying. He led Holly Ridge Middle to an undefeated season and was the undoubted leader of the group. Taking on the best defenders and continuously producing at a high level is what the staff is hoping carries over to his freshman year. While the shooting is still an area for improvement, Coach Rhodes system will cater to his strengths and force defenses to adjust in the process. His name may not be talked about a ton amongst the loaded 2030 class yet but by January, that will change</p>     <p>Benefitting from the gravity of [player_tooltip player_id='3637699' first='JP' last='Portland'], the downhill attacking of Tripp Griffin and the connectivity of Connor Gee is Nathan Adams. Another freshman expected to contribute, but in a different way. The shooting of Nathan will help create the spacing the staff desires and force defenses to over adjust. The movement off the ball enhances the shooting of Nathan and his range is unlimited. Throughout workouts and drills, there were times when the ball rarely hit the rim. He gets the shot off with ease and the mechanics are consistent with each shot attempt.</p>   <p>Adjusting as a freshman is always a big challenge with how physical and fast the varsity level is. Having veterans on the court with Nathan should help with the transition. Luckily for Nathan, he'll have Tripp by his side on this journey which should make it easier for both parties. Both guys played together for Carolina Elite 2030 in the summer so the chemistry could be a big part of their freshman journey.</p>    <p>Excluding the Covid shortened year, last years record was the Golden Hawks' first losing season since 2019-2020. Coach Rhodes is confident in the teams connectiveness and willingness to get better. The blend of youth and veteran presence on the roster allows both sides to not have so much pressure.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3658499' first='Andy' last='Lissow'] is a huge game changer for the Golden Hawks. His motor, rebounding, and rim protection will be on full display this year. Not to mention, he can space the floor with his outside shooting. That versatility mixed with his athleticism makes Andy a potential double-double threat every game.</p>   <p>If you're looking for a few sleeper players to watch, my vote goes to Marcos Astacio Vazquez and Cam Coleman. Two sophomores that bring different aspects to the team that are needed. Marcos is a solid playmaker with a good mid-range and rim finishing ability. He's a crafty ball handler who I believe can impact a game without scoring a single point. Yet another shooter, Cam Coleman is poised to swing a game or two with his shooting. Good off ball mover and an underrated defender despite his slight frame. File both names away, you'll see why this season.</p>

Holly Springs is entering year two under Coach Rhodes and are on a mission to respond to a lackluster year. There were moments when the team took strides but were just a little too inconsistent. Four of their losses were by 2 possessions or less and the Golden Hawks played in three overtime games. Going toe to toe with Cardinal Gibbons showed how good the Golden Hawks could be when they play to their ceiling.