Hawks shine in summer


Thursday, July 29, 2010
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Hawks shine in summer

By BARRY BURLESON
Editor

It’s hard to satisfy coach Naylond Hayes but his basketball Hawks came awfully close this summer.

The Holly Springs High School basketball team played 32 games in camps and finished 26-6.

“I’m never really satisfied,” said the 67-year-old coach, “but I’m pleased. It was better than losing 26 and winning six.”

Last season the Hawks won the North State crown and lost in the state semi-finals. They finished 28-5.

Several starters graduated, but a good nucleus will return, including one of the team’s top scorers and rebounders, forward Johnathan Bownes.

“We ended last season with 12 varsity players; six of those graduated,” Hayes said. “Plus, we have some players coming up from the JV team who will help us.

“I think we will be OK if we can piece it all together.”

Holly High shined at summer leagues in Myrtle and Senatobia, plus one trip to Olive Branch. The strong competition included the likes of Pontotoc, Tupelo, North Panola, Senatobia and Myrtle.

“The summer helps give us an identity,” Hayes said. “We see what we need to work on the most when school starts.”

He will be entering his 10th season as head coach of the Hawks after a successful career at Rust College. His years at Holly High include back-to-back state championships in 2004 and 2005.

He’s thought some about retirement, but said, “As long as I’m enjoying it, I’m OK.”

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