JAADEN Thompson's growth beyond the box points

Miles UNACE is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student, which is assigned to the mountain school for AZPREPS365.com.

The name of Mountain Ridge Senior Jaiden Thompson is everywhere on the statistics sheet. In the first place in the Desert Valley region, he comes first in assists, steals, free throws and charges that were taken in while he finished third in three. He also takes second place in the region at 17.7 points per game and in the 6A conference. But for those who know it best, Thompson's effects extend far beyond the numbers.

Since the first entry of the court for Mountain Ridge, Thompson has grown to both a dynamic goal scorer and a guide. His journey, which is characterized by years of relentless work and a deep love of the game, has transformed him into the heart of the Mountain Lions program.

“I started playing basketball as a toddler,” said Thompson. “My two older brothers played and my father trained them, so I was always in basketball. Since I can remember, I loved to look and play.”

This passion, combined with an immense work morality, helped Thompson to refine his game. He was always able to take a good step, but he fought with hesitation early. Things like open shots and yourself.

“To help me get over it, I would play a lot one-to-one,” said Thompson. “It helped me to get rid of this hesitation, and from there I was able to improve my capacity.”

His father played a crucial role in the design of him to the player he is today. At a young age he organized strong foundations and helped develop his jumping shot and overall competence.

“When I came to the middle school, he made me my own player while I gave advice on how I can get better,” said Thompson. “If I did something well, he always gave me opportunities to do better.”

This constant improvement drive has paid off. The Mountain Ridge Head Craig Marcus has first seen first -hand how Thompson's game developed.

“He's just getting better,” said Marcus. “He has improved the most in his shooting and places.”

Apart from his ability to put the ball into the basket, Thompson has taken on a leadership role. Once a calm presence, it is much more loud and not only leads teammates in games, but also in practice.

“He helps the players understand what we need from them,” said Marcus. “He is a calming factor that the team is successful in positions. He is also a game-change. He beats big shots and makes great games at the defensive end.”

Although his offensive production is noticeable, Thompson's defensive presence is just as valuable. His ability to disrupt opposing crimes often remains unnoticed in the box score.

“Steal and steer; he gets a lot,” said Marcus. “If you don't be careful, you wouldn't really know.”

Thompson is just as effective in front of the square. He is known for his positivity, uplifting teammates and really takes care of the people around him.

“He takes care of,” said Marcus. “About his friends, his teammates, his family and the basketball game.”

This tour of his teammates, including Bobby Mahaney, did not remain unnoticed, who observed Thompson's first -hand growth.

“Jaiden has gotten so much better since I saw him playing here for the first time,” said Mahaney. “He grew a lot as a player and as a person.”

For Thompson, basketball on Mountain Ridge was more than just a personal awards. He estimates the relationships he built, especially during the summer trips of the team to UC San Diego.

“We can fight for a few hours, then return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of our day together,” said Thompson. “I had a lot of fun with these trips.”

This season, Thompson reached a large career milestone and scored his 1,000 on February 2. Career point against the competing Sandra Day O'Connor.

“It was a big goal that I went to the high school,” said Thompson. “It felt fantastic.”

Now when his time on Mountain Ridge is approaching his end, Thompson hopes to leave a permanent message for the next generation of players.

“I would tell the younger players that they should work as hard as possible so that when it is finished they have no regret,” said Thompson. “And just enjoy it. The good and the bad thing because it will only take that long.”