When it comes to basketball, junior Brandi Thompson sets her mind on commitment.
She has played the sport for 10 years, now holding the positions of post and point guard in her first year on the varsity team.
Thompson began basketball in second grade when her father, Odes, guided her into the sport. Through his encouragement, she held high hopes for her progress.
“When I was little, my dad wanted me to be athletic and got me involved in every sport possible,” Thompson said. “I began [basketball] in second grade and always tried my hardest.”
As a result of her effort at practice and games, Thompson was awarded MVP for the Clovis High Classic Tournament, held on Dec. 4, 2010. According to basketball coach Josh Tosland, the junior received the award because she exceeded the coaches’ expectations scoring an overall 10 points during the final game.
“She earned the ‘All Tournament’ award because she went above and beyond the expectations us coaches had for her,” Tosland said. “She played aggressive and got to the free-throw line double than anyone else on the team [sic].”
Along with the other players, Tosland appreciates Thompson for her consistent work and energy. Senior Bridget Teixeira notices the leadership and dedication that Thompson puts into basketball, she said.
“You can always count on Brandi to be aggressive and drive to the basket,” Teixeira said. “Brandi is a hard worker; you can always expect her to go hard no matter the situation. I think she’s a great example to the younger girls, and already has leadership qualities. She steps up, goes beyond and accomplishes much.”
During basketball season, Thompson enjoys having a team to rely on. She said that, even in hard times, the group stands by her.
“I love the team this year,” Thompson said. “We all get along really well, and the best thing is getting to know my teammates. I always know they have my back. I know that if something went wrong, they’re always there to build my confidence back up.”
According to Tosland, team unity is essential for members to rely on each other. Freshman team member Jooyoung Kwon recognizes this concept, and sees how Thompson lives it out on and off the court.
“I look up to her. She always does more than she should, and I think that it helps other teammates,” Kwon said. “On the court she taught me to never give up, even if I make a mistake or think I can’t do it. Brandi always told me that I can do it. Off the court, she is [a] really good friend and makes me laugh.”
In addition to the relationships with her teammates, Thompson appreciates the lessons she learns from Tosland that she can apply in her life.
“He is a really good coach,” Thompson said. “He has taught me things that apply to my life. I learned to go for what I want to do and always keep moving forward. In life, if something happens, look at the bright side and keep going because you can’t stay on one thing the rest of your life.”
Tosland teaches the players to connect things they learn on the court with life and to stay positive and directed.
“We are given more than we can handle for the purpose of relying on God,” Tosland said. “Basketball is a fast-paced game that will not allow you to mope or think about your mistakes for very long, because the ball will be down the floor and your teammates will be needing you.”
Both her teammates and coaches believe in Thompson’s ability to continually improve in athletics and spread supportive encouragement to those around her.
“I hope that she will become more proficient in her game and that her influence on others will be positive,” Tosland said. “For the team, I hope we learn more about each other, on and off the court. I always want my players to be able to go to a blacktop somewhere and be able to just play the game with whoever is there.”
For more information on basketball, read the Girls’ basketball sport shorts, 2010-11. For more sports profiles, read the Dec. 16, 2010 article, Freshman forward exhibits vitality, passion. Stats on Maxpreps have not been updated for recent games as of January 18th.
