Clayton News Daily

Photo by Gabriel Stovall Mount Zion’s Jarius Holder has recently committed to Jacksonville University. He averaged 24.5 points a game last season for the 4-22 Bulldogs.

JONESBORO — After Mount Zion’s Jarius Holder finishes his senior year, the Bulldogs standout will head to Jacksonville University in Florida to continue his basketball career.

The 6-foot-7-inch Holder, who also entertained offers from USC Upstate, Tennessee State and Southeast Missouri State, said he wanted to end the recruiting process before his final season for Mount Zion coach Maurice Triche began.

“It’s a relief,” Holder said. “It’s a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I don’t really have to worry now after every game about where I’m going to go after my season — that can play a big part in my play.”

Though the Bulldogs were just 4-22 last season, Holder put up big numbers, averaging 24.5 points, seven rebounds, 4.2 assists and five blocked shots a game.

Triche, in his second year as coach, is not surprised at Holder’s accomplishment.

“This young man has done a great job since I’ve been here,” Triche said. “He has grown as a basketball player, academically and as a person, and now it’s starting to pay off for him. He’s starting to see his rewards.

With preseason practice for the upcoming season set to get under way on Oct. 29., Triche believes that Mount Zion is poised for great things with Holder leading the way.

“The players gravitate to his hustle, defense and leadership,” he said. “Where (Holder) goes, our team goes.”