Elijah Headley has been a beacon of light for the Holtville boys basketball team.
On Tuesday, Holtville traveled to face Elmore County where the Panthers bested the Bulldogs, 59-38, but Headley was dynamite out of the gate, finishing with eight points and three steals.
Headley has helped his team find silver linings in a season of transition and growth. Holtville coach Greg Parker understands how impactful his 6-foot-5 senior has been on and off the floor.
“I think his impact on the floor has been that he is a tough matchup for other teams with his length,” Parker said. “This season is definitely not going the way we wanted, but we still have everything in front of us to play for, but I think leadership also grows as a season goes on. I think it has grown just about the way that he comes to practice and he puts forth the effort that he does but not just with him but with all of our players.”
Despite their 5-7 record, the Bulldogs have shown capabilities of being successful. Headley is at the forefront of just about every single scheme Holtville utilizes.
“The most improvement has been in his post play,” Parker said. “I think the way he plays with his back to the basket has gotten a lot better as well.”
Aside from being a force on the floor, Headley has aided his team with his leadership this season.
“I do know that he doesn’t like to take all the credit,” Parker said. “He knows without the play of Braxton (Gaither), Ethan (Pruitt), Kelton (Shuford), and Arkeviuos (Turner), he would not be where he is today. I know that he likes to support his teammates and knows it’s a team game and one of our mottos that we talk about is ‘we over me’ and I think that just has to keep growing and growing as a season goes on.”
Headley will look to propel the Bulldogs to a strong showing in area play beginning soon.
“We have everything to play for this year with our area play starting, so our goal is to get into the playoffs and that is what we are looking forward to,” Parker said.
