2021-22: 24-5 (11-3), 2nd in SWAC, 2nd Round of Playoffs (L to Cleveland 67-75)
Key Losses
Jordan Kearney - Graduated - Playing at Louisburg College
Ben Gruden - Graduated
Jake Fields - Graduated
Key Returners
Collin Kuhl - Senior - Reigning District 5 POY
Micah Jones - Senior
Ryan Crotty - Junior
Houston Wills - Senior
Joshua Harris - Senior
Will Atkinson - Senior
Key Newcomers
Marcus Van Vield - Junior - JV
Joshua Molanda - Junior - JV
Campbell Harrington - Junior - JV
Will James - Sophomore - JV
Jake Cackovic - Sophomore - JV
Projected Rotation
Storylines
The Golden Hawks finished last season with 8.21 Wins Over Average (WOA) which was good for 1st in Wake County, 3rd in 4A East, and 6th in 4A overall. They return 4 starters and will add a handful of players from last season’s dominant JV team.
The Hawks will be led by the reigning district 5 player of the year, Collin Kuhl. The Georgia Southern commit was one of the top players in public school last winter and enjoyed a successful spring/summer with Strong Center and Team Loaded. Collin will have eyes from across the state on him this season as he headlines one of the best public school teams in NC. Collin is an athletic forward with great touch, footwork, and great potential. He operates best with lower usage, getting his points off of putbacks and quick 1-2 dribble drives. He is a matchup nightmare as he’s too fast for most bigs and too big for most wings. Look for Collin to continue his dominance from last season as a consistent double-double machine.
In the backcourt, the Hawks are led by maybe the best player in the county, Micah Jones. Micah would undoubtedly be the best player on almost every other team in the east, but being teammates with Collin Kuhl and Ryan Crotty has allowed people to overlook him. For this season, Micah will be extremely valuable because of his consistency and durability. He can go out every night and play a high-floor, high-ceiling game. As this team pushes for a state title, his steadiness at the lead guard spot will be increasingly valuable.
The third star of this team is 2024 wing, Ryan Crotty. Ryan is arguably the top pure shooter in the state and, at 6’6” he can get his shot off whenever he wants. A lot of the buzz around this Holly Springs team has been generated by Ryan’s unique skillset and he is a popular breakout candidate for this season. He will be one of the toughest matchups for opposing teams and will be the X-factor for the team’s playoff hopes in March.
Joshua Molanda suffered a stress fracture in his back recently and he will miss the majority of the season. Without Molanda, they will still boast one of the deepest teams in the state with 10 players that could viably start. They have almost too much wing depth with the 4-year varsity sharpshooter Houston Wills headlining the group. They will also have sophomore duo 6’2” Will James and 6’6” Jake Cackovic, both of whom will be future stars for the program when it’s their turn to shine. Junior Marcus Van Vield will be another valuable wing piece as well. Inside, the Hawks'
depth includes seniors Will Atkinson and Joshua Harris. Will is the tallest player on the team at 6’9” and was a key piece in a successful HoopState League showing, finishing as one of the most efficient players in the entire league. Josh will most likely be the 5th starter and will replace the efforts of Ben Gruden and Jake Fields a season ago as the ultimate glue guy.
Expectations
Entering this season, Holly Springs will have heavier expectations than maybe any other team in the area. They are not only one of the top teams in the county but the entire 4A East division. I would imagine that the mindset in Holly Springs is state championship or bust and I believe that they are more than capable of pulling it off.