Holland Commits To Cowboys

CLYDE, Texas — Clyde’s Jeff Holland has become the first high school player to commit to the Hardin-Simmons men’s basketball team for the 2009-10 season.

Holland, a 6-7 post player, helped lead the Bulldogs to the regional semifinals and to a 27-10 record. Holland averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds and was a three-year starter for Clyde. He was named to the all-district team and was the defensive MVP for the second straight year.

“I picked Hardin-Simmons, because I really wanted to stay close to home and I like the way that coach Carse runs his program,” said Holland. “He treated me really well during the recruiting process and I think Hardin-Simmons is the perfect fit for me.”

Carse is also glad to have a bigger post presence after playing this season with no players over 6-5.

“Jeffrey is a true post player that can defend, rebound and block shots,” said HSU head coach Craig Carse. “We think he will develop into the exact type of player we are looking for in our system at the five spot.”

“More importantly, Jeff is the ideal kind of kid we are looking for in our program. He is smart, hard-working and is a good student. It also helps to have local kids in the program to help generate fan interest. I am proud that he is our first commitment this year. We targeted him early on and have worked hard on getting him to be a Cowboy.”

Hardin-Simmons is coming off a 9-16 season in Carse’s first season with the program and HSU loses four seniors from this year’s team.