Prospect Spotlight: Evan Thompson (2022 Churchill)
Football season has started up and once again, Evan Thompson Evan Thompson 6'3" | SG Churchill | 2022 State OR will be putting on pads and a helmet to compete for Churchill on the gridiron. But hoops is the where…
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Continue ReadingFootball season has started up and once again, Evan Thompson Evan Thompson 6'3" | SG Churchill | 2022 State OR will be putting on pads and a helmet to compete for Churchill on the gridiron. But hoops is the where the heart is for the lanky 6-foot-3 senior swingman and that’s where he’s hoping for an opportunity at the college level. Thompson used this summer to hone in on his skills on the hardwood, staying plenty busy competing at a high level and spending plenty of time on individual work as well.
“Overall, I’d say this has been a great summer basketball wise,” Thompson said. “I played for two aau teams, Team Jones and Incline select gold, and had some great runs with each of them, playing different roles for each of the different programs, and stepping it up for both of them at the end of the summer. I definitely developed as more of a scorer and rebounder as the summer went along, and was able to display that when it mattered.”
Thompson noted what he focused on during the summer months. “I was working a lot on crashing the boards and being more aggressive around the rim, and I even surprised myself with some of the finishes that I was able to connect on and make,” Thompson said. “I also was working a lot on my mindset and work ethic, staying in the weight room and gym constantly, getting stronger and more athletic as the summer went.”
One of the hopes Thompson had was to capture the attention of college coaches. He notes that he’s caught the eye of one school in particular, Pacific University in Forest Grove, and the interest is mutual.
“I’ve gotten the opportunity to get to know Coach (Brant) Minor, and have really enjoyed learning about their program and the school itself,” Thompson said. “They’ve got a great athletic training and physical therapy program, which fits for what I want to study in college. I plan on applying there soon.”
Thompson also notes that he’s been in touch with Lane CC in Eugene and has worked out with the coaches on campus. He’s keeping all of his options open right now but has in mind what he’s looking for in a school and program, as his hope is to major in exercise science with the intention of becoming an athletic trainer or physical therapist.
“I want to eventually land at a school that will push me to be great in the classroom and on the court,” Thompson said. “At a place that there is a culture where everyone works hard to earn their keep and is held to the highest standards, whether it comes to studies and also athletics. My parents want me to go to a school where I enjoy the people and setting, which will help me be more comfortable getting my education, while playing sports at the same time.”
A lanky wing with length possessing a frame that could easily support more bulk and muscle, Thompson has a solid all-around game offensively and plays with a high motor on both ends of the floor. He’s aiming to be a big contributor his senior season for Churchill, perenially one of the top teams at the 5A level.
“I think we’re going to be a great team,” Thompson said. “Obviously we have one of the best point guards in the state in Samaje, who’ll lead us, and control the offense, and we’ve got great guard and wing play as well. I hope covid isn’t as much of a problem as it was last year, because we can be a very solid team if we’re all healthy and invested in the program.”
A high-academic performer, Thompson currently holds a 4.0 GPA.