Red Bank High School student interns sit down for a Q&A with standout basketball player, Journey Holloway, to discuss her basketball career and the goals she has for the 2024-2025 basketball season. Kelvin Clay III, RBHS Girl's Basketball Head Coach, also gives his thoughts on Holloway's athletic performance.
Q&A with Journey Holloway
What age did you start playing basketball?
"I've been playing basketball since second grade."
What was one struggle you faced last season that you hope to overcome this season?
"Having a good attitude and communication on the court with my teammates."
How have you improved as a basketball player and an all-around student compared to your freshman year?
"I don't give up as easily as I did as a freshman, and I feel like I've grown a lot over the past year or two."
Explain what an open gym is to you.
"An open gym to me is nobody in there, maybe music playing, and just working on the small stuff that I don't get to work on during real practice, such as shooting."
What keeps you motivated?
“My mom motivates me; she's my biggest supporter, and if I don't have anybody, I know I have her. Also, Coach Clay motivates me because he believes in me the most.”
How well do you balance your personal life with basketball?
“I balance it out pretty well. I've been playing basketball since second grade, so I'm used to it.”
What personal goal do you have for this season, and what team are you most excited to play this year?
“One of my goals is to be more of a leader, and who I'm most excited to play is Tyner.”
How many points do you hope to score this season?
“1,000, but I’d like to beat Coach Mcginnis's record, so 1,200+.”
What's your go-to game day song?
“Freestyle by Lil Baby.”
Are you more of an offensive or defensive player, or both? Why?
“Defence, because who doesn't like stealing the ball and going to go score.”
Would you want to continue to play basketball in college? If so, where would you want to play?
“Yes, at UTC so that I can stay in town; I don't want to go far because I would rather stay home than go far to a college.”
Q&A with Coach Clay
What is Journey's strong suit? Is it offense or defense?
“Journey is a well-balanced player; she contributes on both ends of the floor at a high level. She not only led the team in scoring, but she led them in rebounds and steals in the whole county, so she is pretty exciting to watch on both ends.”
How have you seen her improve from the last season to the beginning of this season?
“She has been in the gym a lot, and her jump shot seems more consistent. I know the form is looking a lot better. One of the biggest things with Journey is that she's bought into this. I think she has taken on that leadership role in her own way.¨
How can she contribute to the team this season?
“Honestly, like I said, that leadership role because I know what she will give statistically with her play; I just want to see her be more of a positive leader in those tough times, and I think she will be complete.”
What team are you most excited to play this season?
“There are many teams I am excited to play: Soddy Daisy, Signal Mountain, Tyner, and whoever we play to get to the blue look at the glass house of MTSU; everybody.”