Ethan Holloway had a strong sophomore campaign for the Iola High Mustangs basketball program by leading the team in scoring, but the 6-foot, 6-inch, forward was not satisfied with just that level of production.
This summer, Holloway worked on his skill set as a part of the Oz Elite AAU basketball team out of Wichita. The team has taken Holloway across the country as part of its season, going as far as Las Vegas for a tournament.
“When I travel with this team, it is all business,” Holloway said. “We don’t go for fun, we don’t go for recreation, we are there to win. We are really serious all the time and we practice really seriously all the time. It is just a whole different intensity-level with summer ball, because everyone is trying to get to the next level and showcase themselves.”
During the high school season, Holloway was the only inside player on the floor for the Mustangs on many of their possessions, but the difference in physicality when he got to the AAU level was still surprising to the post player.
“The physicality level with those guys is just a whole different brand of basketball than it is in Iola,” Holloway said. “It is more physical and a lot faster. It is pretty intense.”
Another area Holloway is looking to improve before his junior season is his ability to be a threat from outside the paint. With the Mustangs, he was hardly ever asked the venture far away from the basket because he was the only true post player in the starting lineup and the easiest way for his teammates to get open looks was to work off of opposing teams double-teaming Holloway on the block.
With more post threats on his AAU team, that has allowed Holloway to work on his perimeter and mid-range games more.
“On this team, I’m more of an expanded player,” Holloway said. “I play more on the outside and take mid-range jump shots. … I had to increase my speed to keep up with some of these guys.”
The ability to step out and be a threat can play huge dividends for the Mustangs this upcoming season as Holloway’s classmate Evan Sigg looks to provide the team with another true post in the starting five after a strong finish to his sophomore year.
With only one player — Brett Taylor — graduating from last year’s team, the 2016-17 season figures to be a good one for Iola and Holloway’s continued development is a big reason why hopes should be so high around the program.
