College Commitment: Tommy Ball (2020 Oak Ridge)
If you asked many, they will agree with the fact that Tommy Ball does many things correctly on and off the court. The All-League SFL guard has developed his game tremendously over the past couple of years. Tommy Ball did…
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Continue ReadingIf you asked many, they will agree with the fact that Tommy Ball does many things correctly on and off the court. The All-League SFL guard has developed his game tremendously over the past couple of years.
Tommy Ball did not need to wait any longer. On Tuesday night, the 5-foot-11, 145-pound senior point guard already had his mind made up, all he needed was the opportunity that he was finally offered. Ball has been instrumental for the Trojans all year long, playing the game hard on both ends of the court. The senior has been a key player for Oak Ridge, who has secured a spot in the CIF SJS playoffs, proving that he is one of the best players on the court every time he checks into the game. Ball looks to continue his crafty play into the postseason before heading up north to Pocatello Idaho and playing for the Idaho State.
Ball also had interest from Cal State San Marcos and San Francisco State with possible other schools that may have evaluated him for the remainder of his senior season. But after the phone call with the assistant coach, everything changed and Ball made his verbal commitment to become a Bengal.
Idaho State has been following Ball from the start of there communication, showing hard interest in his game and his potential. “Yesterday I got the call and he gave me the offer as a Preferred Walk-On. I’m really excited to work with the D1 program and players and learn a lot while I’m there”, Ball said. “When they gave me that opportunity, I knew that was the offer I wanted to take”.
With family living in the Pocatello area, Ball felt that it would be a great opportunity to play at the Division 1 level and stay close to relatives. A strong mutual interest between the coaching staff and Ball began last year. “I sent them my film and they said they’d be in touch, continue to reach out and update them on how my senior season has been going”, said Ball.
That he did. Constantly throughout the season, Tommy Ball has been showing out, displaying all aspects of his game and leading his team. The senior point guard has been playing exceptionally as a playmaker averaging around 16 points a game, 4 assists while shooting 42 percent from beyond the arc and 85 percent from the free-throw line.
“I’ve been playing more aggressive with the ball and I finally realize that it’s my time to show up and show out”. The senior guard has not slowed down since the start of the season. This versatile guard can scorch the net. With a couple of six 3-pointer games, Ball will keep shooting, hoping to win more games in the playoffs and break the single-game record in school history of seven.
Ball has been having a lot of fun doing his thing but acknowledges that he could not have done anything without his teammates. “We’ve been playing pretty well. All credit to my teammates, they give me the ball. I love my teammates and they are all awesome”, Ball stated.
Ball and the rest of the Trojans will be in action tonight against a tough Cosumnes Oaks.