Why Jazzmun Holmes is Mississippi State Women’s Basketball’s X-factor against South Carolina

Mississippi State hosts the Gamecocks of South Carolina tomorrow night in primetime, as Bulldog point guard Jazzmun Holmes will determine the game’s outcome. Having taken the torch as a facilitator from Morgan William, famously known for “the shot”, Holmes has significantly elevated her game. In addition, she has become one of the team’s primary leaders. Now a senior, it will be on Holmes to run the offense, something she has excelled at this season.

In what can now be deemed a bitter rivalry, Mississippi State vs South Carolina has become one of the game’s best. In order for the Bulldogs’ offense to be successful, it must be facilitated by Holmes. She is averaging 7.9 points and 5.2 assists. But Holmes’ underrated strength is her defense, as she had 45 steals last year and 37 thus far, set to shatter that number by a long shot.

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Expect Holmes to not only facilitate, but set the tone as well. She was a spark plug off the bench whose energy willed the Bulldogs to victory in Mississippi State’s last home matchup against South Carolina. That said, this game is also primetime, ultimately setting the stage for Holmes.

While she clearly does not play for numbers, Holmes does tend to fill the stat line. It’s a guard’s lead, let’s call it what it is. If a team hopes to be successful, it must have a formidable point guard. In other words, Holmes is the glue to the Bulldogs’ success.

Look for her to make an immediate impact early and thereafter. The key for Mississippi State is to not take their foot off the gas when nursing a lead. Expect Holmes to make sure the pace is set and a win is the result because of it.