Player of the Week: Nicholas Holste (Week 5)
Nicholas Holste (2018)
6’5, F, CAM, Anita
Although he occupies a role as the team’s big-man, Nicholas Holste might be their best shooter, too. He was blistering hot from beyond the arc last week, canning all five of his attempts from deep. That’s a nice luxury to have from a senior leader who also tops the team in rebounding and blocked shots.
Holste has been sensational all season for the Cougars, and is a big reason why they’ve raced out to a 9-2 start, and have run-off six straight wins.
The 6’5 stretch-four was especially dangerous last week, and earned his spot in the Player of the Week poll after a 33 point, nine rebound performance against West Harrison, followed by a 26 point, eight rebound game in a win over Glidden-Ralston.
The season stats are evidence that Holste’s brilliant week wasn’t a flash in the pan. The big and versatile post is averaging 17.7 points on 62 percent shooting, he’s put in 57 percent of his 3s. He’s handling his business in the paint, too, blocking 1.7 shots and hauling in 8.1 rebounds per game.
Last season, Holste’s Cougars came away with their first winning season in five years, finishing 14-8. And this season, he’s got them thinking of post-season potential.
We didn’t even mention that the Cougars have one of the best, and quickest small school guards in Iowa running the backcourt, Thomas Hensely. With those two making up a dynamic inside/outside threat, the Cougs could be dangerous come mid-February.