[kywldcat01]

[attachment=o1816]

After finally accomplishing the ultimate goal, after spending nearly every day together during a 38-game, five-month season, one would think Holmes' talented trio of three-year starters would have scattered in the offseason. Maybe take some time to enjoy the Sweet Sixteen title they had just won. Maybe take some time off from basketball and from each other.

Not so, according to senior Elijah Pittman.

"A week later we were playing with our AAU team in Tennessee," he said. "We didn't stop. We don't ever stop."

The trio - Pittman, and brothers Ricardo and Jeremiah Johnson - hasn't rested much since breaking into the starting lineup during the 2007-08 season. In the past two years the players have won back-to-back regional titles and reached the state finals twice. They've collected numerous MVP awards, two all-state recognitions and four Sweet Sixteen all-tournament accolades.

And they have one season left to add to their already sizable legacy.

"We've got to enjoy it," said Ricardo Johnson, the reigning Enquirer player of the year and state tournament MVP. "People congratulated us and recognized us a lot, and not just around the neighborhood; it happens all over Northern Kentucky. I was at BW3, just hanging out, and a family came up to me because their son wanted to talk to me. That's pretty cool.

"But we've all stayed humble. We spent a lot of time working on our game. I worked on everything - my ballhandling, my defense."

Ricardo is considered the trio's most polished player. The 6-4 guard averaged 11 points and five rebounds last season. Earlier this month he signed a letter of intent with Ohio. After playing the role of point guard late in close games during the state tournament run, he'll handle the ball even more this season. He'll also continue playing the role of the team's defensive stopper.

"There will be times when he's guarding a 6-7 post guy. And there will be times where he'll be guarding a 6-foot shooting guard," Holmes coach David Henley said. "That hasn't changed too much, because he's athletic enough to guard different positions."

Pittman, a 6-8 forward, was the team's top scorer last season (14 ppg). Jeremiah, a 6-3 guard/forward, is the team's top rebounder (6 rpg). Henley said both players have the ability to do more.

"When Elijah's focused and playing with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, he dominates our practice," he said. "And when J.J.'s focused and going hard, he's as good as anyone on the floor. So staying focused was the main thing with those two guys. And they've done a good job of it."

According to a preseason poll of area coaches, Ricardo, Pittman and Jeremiah are the area's first, second and fifth best players respectively.

http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/AB/200...re+laurels

[goodguy]

Good article. I've known all three for several years. All three of them are very respectful and good kids. Pittman has a little attitude on the court but that's just his "on the court" personality. I just wish he could have focused a little more on his academics. He has more college potential than anyone in KY.

[Peacedomes85]

Good article. I've known all three for several years. All three of them are very respectful and good kids. Pittman has a little attitude on the court but that's just his "on the court" personality. I just wish he could have focused a little more on his academics. He has more college potential than anyone in KY.

Any Offers For Pittman Yet?

[goldenrule19]

Any Offers For Pittman Yet?

Just about very Jr. College in the Nation wants Pittman! I talked to his AAU coach last night. He said the alot of Colleges are calling very day for JJ! I think both young him have bright futures ahead for them. Good Luck Homles players. (KY-Player AAU Team has four players that are starter for Homles and five players on the team.):1:

[NYY10]

nice article,

[kywldcat01]

Good article. I've known all three for several years. All three of them are very respectful and good kids. Pittman has a little attitude on the court but that's just his "on the court" personality. I just wish he could have focused a little more on his academics. He has more college potential than anyone in KY.

I try telling people this every day about Elijah. He may play with an attitude on the court, but he is a very respectable young man off the court. All three are actually. Ricardo and JJ are both very humble and let their play do their talking. Looking at their picture that I posted on here with the article, you can tell that all three hit the weights hard over the off season as well. JJ, Ric, and Eli are all considerably bigger compared to last year.

As far as Eli's academics, he is doing very well in the classroom and from what I hear all of his teachers are very impressed with the transformation he's made since last year. He'll likely have to take the JUCO route or spend a year in prep school and re-classify to 2011, but regardless, he is still the best prospect in the state IMO and is a top 100 player in the country. When he gets to college and is constantly pushed every day, everyone will realize why he's been touted the way he has.

[Peacedomes85]

Just about very Jr. College in the Nation wants Pittman! I talked to his AAU coach last night. He said the alot of Colleges are calling very day for JJ! I think both young him have bright futures ahead for them. Good Luck Homles players. (KY-Player AAU Team has four players that are starter for Homles and five players on the team.):1:

Thats good to hear:Thumbs:....and to your previous post it's called a STUDENT-athlete for a reason Student come before Athlete...I hope he gets that and i wish him he BEST of luck this basketball and the rest of the school year

[Stardust]

Very nice