Holland ready for debut with Devils

TIFTON — After five years of coming to the Devils’ Palace as the opposing coach for Turner County, Eric Holland now prepares to lead Tift County in his debut season in navy, white and silver.

Tift will travel to Thomasville on Tuesday to take on the Jackets of Thomas County Central after tonight’s Blue-White scrimmage around 8:30 p.m. immediately following the girls’ contest.

The first home game will be Dec. 4 against Cook High.

The Blue Devils, typically a half-court, grind-it-out offense, will play a faster, uptempo style offense under Holland.

“My philosophy is that you can always slow kids down, but you can’t speed them up. It cuts down on the thinking process. I think it’s the best system in the state,” Holland said.

Senior Jerome Graydon will lead the Devils offensively.

“He is a ‘tweener’ he can play the post or the wing. He can handle the ball. We want him to be a little more vicious — more aggressive. I think he can be the region player of the year if he will work hard for it,” Holland said.

Junior Breon Dixon will be the Devils’ center. A 6-foot-7 transfer from Turner County, Dixon was a defensive force in the Rebels’ run to the Class A title game last season.

“He can dominate a game on offense and defense. I think he is a lot like Jerome...a nice player. Too nice. We want him to be aggressive,” Holland said.

Vernon Moore, a 6-foot-3 wing player is a “green” player according to Holland, as this is the senior’s first year on the varsity team.

“He is the most athletic player on the team,” Holland said of Moore.

Rod Downs will play the 2-guard spot. Downs received some minutes last year under former Tift coach John Spurlin. Holland expects the 5-foot-10 senior to “hit shots and defend.”

At point guard, Colby Neloms and Micah McCant will split time. Holland calls Neloms the more “polished” point guard, but added that,”McCant has leadership, is physical, tough and has a swagger.”

“We can win with that. He is a pitbull on defense.”

Others Holland will look to contribute include freshman Donnell Tuff, who has the “biggest upside” according to the head coach. Also, Malcolm Dixon, DD Jackson, Tae Jolly and Cory Gipson will have the chance to contribute for the Devils.

“I think my second five are just as solid as the starters. We can go 10-deep,” Holland added.

The Devils used their solid defense in a 42-36 win over Lanier County last Saturday at the Devils’ Palace.

Breon Dixon had 16 and Moore added 14 for the Devils.

“Breon swiped about five shots and had nine rebounds. Our guards played well defensively,” Holland said.

Holland will be assisted by Anthony Bateman, Jason Clark, Xavier Holmes and Keary Brownlee.

“I have a super staff,” Holland added.

Holland expects the region race to be decided between Tift and Valdosta with Colquitt County as his surprise team.

NOTES: Holland said the Tip Off Club is selling courtside seats. Contact Holland, Julie Conner or any member of the Tift County Tip Off Club...The Devils have a new website at www.tiftcountybasketball.com.

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