MUSKOGEE’S E’NIYAH HOLMES

As her final season playing high school basketball continues with a single goal of not just playing in the state tournament for a third time but raising the gold ball along with her Muskogee teammates, the journey for E’Niyah Holmes has been filled with highlights in addition to setbacks.

Among her shining moments are playing in the state tournament as a freshman at Calvin where her dad (Eric) was the head coach and then winning the battle to return to the basketball court following a torn ACL during her sophomore year while playing at Madill.

“The first trip to state helped me know that I still had work to do to become the player I wanted to be,” she said. “But after the grueling rehab during my sophomore season just to get back on the court last year and then go to state along with my sister and my dad, those emotions continue to fuel my intense desire and competitive nature to be better every day.”

Is there a particular player, college or pro that she studies to find a competitive advantage? Interesting that like E’Niyah, her heroes have hyphenated first names.

“A’ja Wilson (4-time WNBA MVP) and Flau’jae Johnson (LSU) are two of my favorites. Their ability to dominate a game and lead their teams to championships inspire me to do the same.”

The 6-1 combo guard’s talents including the ability to score at the rim and from the perimeter in addition to her defensive skills denying opponents shots have not only challenged high school opponents but also earned E’Niyah multiple Division-I scholarship offers including her ultimate choice to play college basketball at Lamar University.

“When I went on campus, it just felt right. The basketball culture and family spirit was a match for me,” she said with a big smile. “It’s been a relief to have that behind me and now just focus on helping my team win every game and win the gold ball at the end of this year as a Muskogee Rougher.”

There’s more than just a top-level player wearing the Roughers uniform including E’Niyah’s commitment to success in the classroom where she maintains a 4.0 grade point average.

“I hope others see me as a kind person and that you can count on me in any situation to find a way to get the job done,” E’Niyah said with conviction. “For me, it’s about always being respectful, finding the positive in all circumstances and make sure that I carry out my actions to the best result, not just for me but for my teammates and the other people in my life.”