For two seasons, DeAndre Holloway and Tyrese Mayo were the heartbeat of the Ridgewater Warriors men's basketball team, a true dynamic duo that powered the program to unprecedented heights. Their on-court chemistry was undeniable, leading the Warriors to a historic 2025-26 campaign where they secured the school's first-ever victory in the NJCAA Division III National Tournament.

Now, this standout pair is taking their talents to the next level together, having both committed to continue their careers at the University of Mary, an NCAA Division II program in Bismarck, North Dakota. This move is a significant achievement, marking the first time in roughly five years that players from the entire Minnesota College Athletic Conference have secured scholarships to the competitive Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

Their accolades are a testament to their impact. Holloway and Mayo are Ridgewater's first men's basketball All-Americans in about a decade, following in the footsteps of Akeen Ogelsby. Their individual statistics from last season tell the story of a dominant inside-outside combination. Holloway, a 6-foot-7 forward, averaged a double-double with 22.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, while the 6-foot guard Mayo poured in 22.6 points and dished out 4.8 assists per contest, showcasing elite efficiency from beyond the arc at 42%.

Their coach, Nate Thooft, praised not only their skill but their character, emphasizing they were "two of the top players in a tournament with the best teams in the nation." Their journey will continue under a familiar face, as they'll join former Ridgewater coach Darren Tighe, who is now building his program at the University of Mary. For Holloway and Mayo, the next chapter as Mary Marauders promises to be an exciting continuation of a partnership that has already made history.