Holland spent the first half of last season in a funk, in part, because he was no longer in the starting lineup.

Two seasons ago, he started every game at small forward for the Mountaineers as they reached the NCAA tournament. Last season, with the emergence of forward Kelly Beidler and guard Jean Cajou, Holland didn’t start a game. His minutes fell to 16.8 per game from 26.5 the previous season.

“As much as I tried to put it behind me and play, I was frustrated,” he said Tuesday night at Knott Arena after the Mount’s annual Blue-White scrimmage. “I couldn’t get anything going.”

After numerous discussions with coach Milan Brown and his teammates, Holland realized the only way forward was to let go of the past and come to grips with the present.

And the official moment of release may have occurred in a 67-62 road win over Lafayette on Jan. 2. Holland threw down a big dunk in the game that seemed to release a lot of pent-up emotion. He finished with a season-high 19 points and six rebounds.

“I just kind of put it behind me,” said Holland, who became a productive player off the bench for the Mount in the second half of the season. “Whatever was bothering me didn’t matter anymore.”

Throughout preseason practice, Holland has seemed like a player at-ease. He’s made peace with his role on the team and wants to contribute any way he can.

His relaxed demeanor was evident throughout the Blue-White scrimmage, as he led all scorers with 23 points.

“He knows that, not only his confidence hasn’t wavered, but mine hasn’t wavered,” Brown said. “I told him every time he steps on the court, if he thinks he has a crack of daylight, shoot it.”

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for Monday. School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.