Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 14 Holmes

14. Holmes (Covington, Ky.)
Last year: 36-2, Sweet 16 state champion
Coach: David Henley
Top players: G Ricardo Johnson (6-4, Sr.); F Elijah Pittman (6-7, Sr.); G Jeremiah Johnson (6-3, Sr.); G Demetrius Avery (6-3, Sr.)
Top games: Dec. 12 vs. Memphis Central; Jan. 6 vs. Princeton (Ohio)
Notable: An athletic team with good size and shooting ability returns for a run at back-to-back state championships. There are three returning starters including Johnson (Ohio University) and Pittman, who each averaged double-figure points and were all-state selections last season. Transfer Avery scored 12 points per game at Conner HS.