His leadership role during this season to remember earned him a prestigious individual honor, the John R. Wooden Award given to the top high school basketball player in Division III of Southern California. Holland received the award, named for the legendary UCLA basketball coach, at the Novo in downtown Los Angeles on April 6.
“It was unexpected at first, then exciting when I recognized the names of the other recipients winning it with me,” Holland said.
The Wooden Award winner for High School Division II was Shareef O’Neal, son NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal. At the ceremony Holland got a chance to meet the legendary big man.
“He made me feel small,” quipped Holland, who is 6’5, of his meeting Shaq.
During the 2017-18 season Holland averaged a team best 18.4 points per game and sank 92 three pointers. He led the Titans with 15 points in their CIF Championship victory over La Puente Bishop Amat High School. He also totaled 21 points and 10 rebounds in Notre Dame’s State Championship Game loss to the Pleasant Valley High School.
On Apr. 24 Holland received another honor when he was named First Team All-State for Division III by Cal-Hi Sports.