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Holtz hired to lead Cards By BARRY BURLESON
Editor  | | Shaun Holtz |
A former Ole Miss Rebel is taking the reins of the Potts Camp boys basketball program. Coach Shaun Holtz, 30, is replacing Matt Horton, who led the Cardinals just one season. “Ever since I was in college, I wanted to be a head coach,” he said. Holtz
grew up in Crystal Springs, 20 minutes from Jackson. He played college
basketball at Towson University in Towson, Maryland, and later
transferred to Ole Miss. He was previously an
assistant coach at Coahoma County High School and Byram Middle School.
Most recently, he was a special education teacher at West Tallahatchie. He found out about the vacant Potts Camp position through a coaching friend, then interviewed and got the job. “I’m
a defensive-minded coach,” Holtz said. “That’s the way I was raised in
high school and college. Mike Jaskulski (at Towson) and Rod Barnes (at
Ole Miss), that’s what they drilled into us. You were not going to get
on the floor if you didn’t play defense.” He saw
Potts Camp play three games in a summer tournament at West Union. He
planned to meet his new team for the first time this past Monday, July
12. “Potts Camp has good athletes,” he said. “I
will evaluate our skills and see what we’re capable of doing - what
style we will play. I want to adapt to the kids - see what they can do.” He hopes to bring some stability to the Cardinals in the coaching seat. “I’m ready to settle down somewhere,” Holtz said. “I’m looking forward to moving to Potts Camp and getting started.” The Cardinals finished 11-18 last season. Their last state tournament berth was in 2005. “I know Potts Camp has a great basketball tradition but has struggled some in recent years,” he said. “I’m
excited about getting things turned around. I know the kids are ready
to start winning and the people of Potts Camp are ready, too. I’m
looking forward to it.” |
