Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week: Lee Central's Holmes thrives as Stallions split with C.E. Murray

Lee Central's Michael Holmes Jr. was a consistent performer for the Stallions in a pair of meetings with C.E. Murray last week. He averaged a double-double as LCHS split with the War Eagles in their final tuneup before opening region play this week. His performance also helped him earn the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week.

"It means a lot," Holmes said of the support from the Lee Central faithful. "I love that everyone would vote for me and be there to support me when I need them the most."

Last week's games against C.E. Murray provided Lee Central with one last chance to tweak things before opening region play against Latta this Friday. Holmes said his focus heading into the two matchups was simple.

"My mindset was to focus on winning the game, playing hard and doing my best," Holmes said.

The week started with a 57-41 win on Tuesday. Holmes had a relatively quiet night offensively with five points, but the Stallions had a balanced offensive push in the win. Nine total players scored in the victory, and no one reached double figures.

"We just had to make every bucket count," Holmes said of the home win.

On Friday, the Stallions hit the road to C.E. Murray. That was a tough transition, even if they were playing the same team they beat last Tuesday.

"We were in unfamiliar territory, but we still had one goal and one job to complete," Holmes said.

The Stallions lost that game 60-50, but Holmes did everything he could to help Lee Central mount a comeback. Trailing 34-25 at the break, Holmes scored nine points in the second half to help make an offensive push. Seven of those points came in the final quarter, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. He finished with 16 points.

"I just wanted to help the team out," Holmes said. "I know what I'm capable of doing, so every time I get the ball, it's just go."

Holmes wasn't just big on the offensive side of the ball. He averaged a double-double on the week with 12 rebounds per contest. He wants to do whatever it takes to help Lee Central get wins.

"Here at Lee Central, we have Stallion pride. You have to have that dog in you," Holmes said. "I was ready, and I had confidence in myself."

LCHS head coach Xavier Harry loves what Holmes has brought to the Stallions this season.

"Michael has been a great addition to our team this season. He embraces his role and works hard every day to exceed all expectations," Harry said. "I'm very proud of him and his continued success."