Holland a must-see, Keller a go-to guy, Wiggins is back, McKinney is strong
Coach David Peavy has another talented group this season. The third edition of the Panthers under coach Peavy will be hard-pressed to duplicate his first two seasons in Duncanville. Two trips to San Antonio, with one state title and favored last year to win another before the season was halted. One of the players that will be counted on by Coach Peavy will be Ronald Holland. His ability to run the court and finish put him at an elite level. “He can play outside, but we need him on the floor, so he is playing inside,” Coach Peavy commented. “I think we have a chance to be better this year, more depth, we will be more up-tempo with more players making contributions.”
As one of the top players in the state and the country in his class, Holland has numerous schools seeking his talents. The sophomore says he loves the great environment for basketball created by Coach Peavy at Duncanville. “Last year I learned a lot on the varsity and I’m ready to step up and play a much bigger role for the team this year.”
Jamyron Keller burst into the spotlight last year as the leading scoring on a regional finalist team as a mere freshman. That obviously got the attention of SMU, Sam Houston and Wyoming. All three schools have offered the talented young man. Coach Alberto Jones with Killeen Ellison feels Jamayron has the potential to be the best he has coached. The 6’1” high flying guard averaged 15 points a game a year ago and should be much more dominating this season. Jamayron’s goal is to win state this year and thinks his best skill is his ability to get to the rack. Jamayron passion for the game comes from his grandfather, who was a basketball coach in South Carolina. As for his long-term goals Jamayron said, “someday I hope I can put my momma in a better position in life.”
Kobe Wiggins led the Wylie Pirates to the state tournament a year ago and Coach Stephen Pearce is very happy he is back for another campaign. “We were about an hour away from San Antonio when we heard the news the tournament had been canceled,” Wiggins said. “It was so disappointing.” Wiggins was named District MVP a year ago standing only 5’10”. Drury University out of Missouri had shown interest in his skills after graduation. Wiggins relationship with Coach Pearce has had a big influence on his development as a player and as a person. “Coach Pearce is great, we learn lessons for life not just about basketball,” Kobe said. As for Kobe’s love for the game, it came from his father. His favorite player is Damon Lillard. “I love LeBron too because he gets all of his teammates involved, that’s what I like to do,” Kobe said.
Coach Wes Watson has been at McKinney High forever and has a special team this upcoming season. 6’5” Alex Anamekwe (2022) and Ja’Kobe Walter will lead coach Watson’s troops this year. Anamekwe is dominating inside force and Walter can play inside or outside. “He’s a combo guard and has offers from Baylor, TCU, Memphis, Oklahoma, SMU and Alabama,” Coach Watson explained. “He can do so many things with the ball, he’ll be a two guard at the next level.” Watson continued, “He can play the point and he’s such a great passer in the open court.” When talking to Ja’Kobe he strikes you as much older. “My dad introduced me to the game when I was young taking me to the gym,” Ja’Kobe said. Ja’Kobe commented on the leadership of Coach Watson and the great relationship he has with his coach, “I love Coach Watson he’s great to play for.”
Also look towards the help of two more sophomores for McKinney, in Jacovey Campbell and Devin Vincent. Along with junior Thatcher McClure.