NEW MARKET, Ala. — Caleb Holt, only in the 8th grade, walks over from Buckhorn middle school every day to suit up for the high school's boy's varsity basketball team. Most kids his age are getting their feet wet on the court but he unexpectedly dived in as a starter.
"Me and my dad, we used to talk about it but I never thought it would be for real I thought he was just talking but I'm here now so it's cool"
Caleb is not just existing on this team, he's making quite the impact. He averages 16 points and 8.5 rebounds a game. A seamless transition to say the least.
"He's pretty comfortable here as far as the level of basketball I was shocked he just is a great competitor and he has a quiet confidence about him," says Head basketball coach Patrick Harding.
Caleb's confidence is backed up by the work he puts in. He hits the gym 3-times a day. An unfathomable amount of time for an 8th grader but Caleb says out of his 24 hours in a day basketball only takes up 6. He adds that great success comes with fun. "If you not having fun with it then what are you doing."
Caleb graduates in 2026 making it only the beginning of his impressive journey.
Watch: High School Hoops: Hazel Green vs. Buckhorn