01 Mar 2026 Jaxsen Hollis – Vilonia (501 Basketball Team 2026)

For Jaxsen Hollis, the appeal of basketball lies in its relentless speed and the constant tests it presents on the hardwood. A junior forward for the Vilonia Eagles, he has been honing his skills since the third grade, drawn to the game because he “liked how fast-paced and challenging it was.” Now, he stands as a cornerstone for an Eagles team hungry for a deep postseason run.

Hollis transitioned from a sixth-man role to a starter last season, proving he belonged among the elite in the 5A Central. Vilonia Head Coach Russell Pennell has high hopes for his versatile forward this year. “We expect him to be one of our key players on both ends of the floor,” he said. “Jaxsen is a great scorer around the rim on the offensive end and a rim protector on the defensive end.” 

Beyond his stats, Hollis cherishes the camaraderie of the game, recalling his favorite memory as “beating Greenbrier last year because that was a great way to beat our rival and send our seniors off.”

His path hasn’t been without significant hurdles, including being in a car accident. Hollis navigated that adversity by giving himself time to recover and heal.”

Off the court, he is a mentor in the peewee basketball program and an avid duck hunter. Looking ahead, he is focused on his studies, advising others to “stay locked in during class no matter how good you can play because grades are what make you go places.”