Orion Tomlinson began playing basketball nine years ago and joined the FC campus team in seventh grade. Four years later, as a junior, he earned 1,000 points in his high school career, May 17.
Before COVID-19 hit, Tomlinson had just ended his sophomore season with a win in Selland Arena for the CIF Central Section Division V Valley Championship. Through quarantine during the current season, Tomlinson did not put a pause on his training.
“I do a lot of shooting at home,” Tomlinson said, “and I run about three to four miles a week. I do a lot of cardio so that definitely keeps me in shape.”
Alongside the FC campus team, Tomlinson also plays club with Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
“We’ve traveled to many places like Florida, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix,” Tomlinson continues, “where we play the top competition.”
With club and school games, Tomlinson keeps his focus on the game by playing music in his head to keep his mind on something. Tomlinson shared how there can be a lot of noise from the crowd but the noise is usually directed toward the opposing teams, so mental music helps calm the distractions.
During the game against Orosi, junior Orion Tomlinson scored his 1,000th point of his high school career. Click on the tweet below to watch this historic moment.
Junior @OrionTomlinson hit a 3 for 1,000 points in his HS career, during Eagles’ win against Orosi, 72-45, May 17. Tomlinson finished w/ 27 points. #thefeather @BrandonABC30 @PAGMETER @boogsbook @CalHiSports @paulmeadors @P356Loeffler @FullTimeHoops1 @future150 @FresnoBeeSports pic.twitter.com/wNZKtS22kL
— The Feather Online (@thefeather) May 18, 2021
As Tomlison plans to play Division I basketball in college, he has not left Fresno Christian because of the atmosphere. He enjoys the team and feels he can do a lot to help them.
“I was always serious about basketball,” Orion shares. “I was given the option of golf, basketball or baseball. I chose basketball and now I want to go to the highest level I can. Division I, or whatever is past that, I will put in the work to get there.”
Tomlison put in the hours to get where he is now, but he could not have done it alone, thanking coach Jon Penberthy.
“I would like to thank coach Jon Penberthy and my parents, Imamu and Tasha Tomlison, for helping me get there,” Tomlinson said.
Coach Penberthy has taught Tomlinson through his high school years and was very happy when the thousandth shot sunk in.
“With the following game supposed to be at Fowler,” Penberthy said, “I was hoping he would be able to do it at home versus Orosi with all of his fans there. Orion has also grown tremendously through the years. He definitely has the drive and work ethic and I think he will be very successful at college level.”
For dates to go out and support Tomlinson and the team through playoffs, visit the 2021 basketball season schedule.
For more photos, visit the media page.
For more articles, read Senior reflection: Bryce Foshee and Senior reflection: Jewel Chandler.
