Junior competes at AAU level through pandemic provisions

On March 12, 2020, the high school basketball world shifted dramatically in a way that altered the foreseeable future including Orion Tomlinson, ’22.

On this date, the CIF made an executive decision to cancel all remaining State Championship games. This unprecedented move in a sea of growing cancellations and postponements around the world underscored the severity of COVID-19 in Fresno County.

Moving ahead 11 months to the present, masks, temperature checks and social distancing has infiltrated the world of high school athletics. However, these compromises have allowed for certain sports to return to overcome pandemic restrictions. One sport that faces an uphill battle to return to on campus play this school year is basketball.

In order to play this season, Fresno County COVID-19 cases must drop within the yellow minimal tier. This tier requires a ratio of less than one new case per 100,000 or a positivity rate of less than 2%. As of Feb. 23, Fresno County’s positivity rate rests at 6.6% with 16.6 new positive cases per 100,000 people.

The following tweets come from Tomlinson’s Twitter feed where he showcases highlights following AAU tournaments.

#morework @7outzbballclub1 @RyanSilver1 @Pdouble_33 @PrepHoopsNorCal @PrepHoopsSoCal @trigonis30 @gerryfreitas @wrightsbball @CalHiSports @PAGMETER @FresnoSportsMag @FresnoBeeSports @SilverWaveMedia @usabasketball pic.twitter.com/w0psixDSIB

— OrionTomlinson (@OrionTomlinson) February 8, 2021

While school athletics have been limited this school year, some students have found a way to continue competing amid this pandemic. Tomlinson has played the sport since 3rd grade and has fully committed himself to basketball. He travels between Fresno, LA and Arizona for Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) tournaments.

To continue competing, AAU adapted COVID-19 guidelines into their tournaments. These precautions include occasional COVID tests, wearing a mask in the gym and clearing out of the facility after games.

Due to the pandemic, the amount of tournaments decreased this season. Tomlinson appreciates this experience and the level of competition it brings out of his opponents.

“It’s been pretty fun,” Tomlinson said. “You definitely have to treasure it more because you don’t get as many tournaments as you would without COVID. So, I think it brings the best out of teams and they always try and play their hardest.”

While this experience brings about it’s fair share of joys and triumphs, many struggles and challenges persist. Whether travelling to Arizona or LA, Tomlinson has discovered new ways to balance his school life with his basketball dreams.

“We’re going to Arizona now,” Tomlinson said. “Since the tournaments aren’t scheduled, they’re more spontaneous. I’ve been having to do more homework on the go and not do it at home. Balancing out my homework has been a big struggle.”

In the following podcast, Tomlinson discusses his basketball dreams and goals for the future.

Throughout these challenges, Tomlinson never experienced the struggles alone. His coach, Imamu Tomlinson, also happens to be his dad. Through his years as Tomlinson’s coach, Imamu has constantly sought to find a healthy balance between being a coach and a dad.

“Early on I was probably too hard on him,” Imamu said. “Sometimes, I was too critical – reacting and correcting every small flaw. It changed when I noticed I wasn’t doing the same thing with the other kids. Now, I try to be even in my treatment with him and the other players. But, I think by me being hard on him early on, it has made him easier for other coaches to coach.”

While having your dad as your coach could lead to an unusual relationship, Imamu Tomlinson established a healthy balance between father and coach. Tomlinson appreciates the lessons and commitment his dad has instilled in him.

“It’s been great,” Tomlinson said. “Not only does he give me basketball insight to develop my game, but he gives life lessons and stuff like that to help me get better as a man. He’s kind of always been there, training me up, trying to get me better so I can hopefully play at the college level.”

@OpenGymPremier MLK Tournament @7outzbballclub1 @RyanSilver1 @Pdouble_33 @PrepHoopsNorCal @PrepHoopsSoCal @trigonis30 @gerryfreitas @wrightsbball @CalHiSports @PAGMETER @FresnoSportsMag @FresnoBeeSports pic.twitter.com/0oQYpSgN7C

— OrionTomlinson (@OrionTomlinson) January 30, 2021

Throughout the many struggles and hurdles Tomlinson faced along the way, he’s remained focused on his ultimate goal: Making it to a Division I college to play basketball.

However, before getting the opportunity to chase these dreams, Tomlinson has one final chance to create a lasting legacy on the FC team. After defeating Fowler and winning the CIF Central Section Division 5 Valley Championship his sophomore year, Tomlinson has one last chance to repeat as champions.

Through the last two years, coach Jon Penberthy has received the opportunity to watch Tomlinson grow on the court. Aside from physical growth, Penberthy also recognizes a growth in leadership that translates beyond the gym.

“Orion came in as a 5’8″, 120 lb freshman and has grown into a 6’1″, 160 lb player who pushes players around,” Penberthy said. “His leadership skills have grown as well. He’s starting to be that second coach out on the court which is needed at every level. Orion has also brought a lot of credibility to this program. He’s brought an attitude of winning and a selfless culture to win at all costs.”

Along this journey, Tomlinson has taken away several life lessons that contribute to his goal of fulfilling this dream. While only about 1% of high school basketball players compete at a Division I level, Tomlinson has taken steps to improve his odds of reaching that stage.

What are some dreams you’re chasing? Leave a comment and let us know.

For more article read COLUMN: Does Social Media Limit Free Speech? and Pandemic affects teenage mental health

Kyle Clem can be reached via Twitter: @KyleClem5 and via email.