The season is well underway for varsity boys basketball at . The Indians boast an 8-1 record so far this season and are ranked number one in their district.
Coach Chuck Williams says his team is charged for the season, and there are high hopes all around.
"We're planning on going all the way and achieving what every high school wants to achieve, the state championship," he said. "You know there are things you have no control over, people hurt and other issues, but at the end of the day all you can do is your best. I work hard to coach and the boys come in ready to work each day and that's what is going to get us there."
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Despite the team's motivation and positive attitude, this season will not be one without challenges. Williams is already preparing for some of the traditionally difficult opponents the Indians are scheduled to face.
The Indians have yet to play any of their basketball rivals this season, including Troy, McCluer North, and .
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But there is one hurdle in particular that cannot be planned for, one which can ruin even the greatest of teams.
"Our greatest challenge is reaching and achieving our maximum potential," said Williams. "Potential is a scary word because we still have yet to reach it. We need to be bringing our strengths out of us to beat anyone on any given night. Our biggest challenge is always us. We've got to show up to play."
Coach Williams has been doing his best to mentally prepare his team for the games, but says its really up to his players to reach their own personal potential and help the team on to victory.
Even with the difficult games to come, the team remains driven towards their goal. Amidst a team glowing with potential, two players in particular stand out as "the heart and soul" of Williams' varsity boys.
The first, senior Dantiel Daniels, is known by many to be the face of Holt's basketball team. According to Williams, Daniels "scores and rebounds and blocks and steals. He can play the whole court. We're really going to miss him when he leaves for carbondale next year."
James Robertson, also a senior, has made a much more modest display of his talents.
"This guy's talents really surprised me. He is a good defender who can knock down threes," Williams said. "He is really stepping up into varsity basketball."
The Indians face an action-packed schedule this week, moving on to play Thursday, Jan. 20, and Ritenour on Friday, Jan. 21.
Following this week, the boys will be competing in the Fort Zumwalt North invitational tournament, scheduled for Jan. 24-29.
With the motivation of the tournament looming ahead, Coach Williams is confident in the team's ability to remain consistent in their improvements and believes they will bring a good showing in the tournament next week.