Torrance, CA (January 28, 2015): The Los Angeles Times recently published the top ten possible candidates for its Southern California Basketball MVP, and Bishop Montgomery's own Stephen Thompson, Jr. '15 is a contender. The Times notes three criteria in their selection process: "play top competition... lead team to championship contention... [and] contribute in multiple ways."
Thompson, Jr., a senior, not only meets, but exceeds, that criteria. Last season, he helped lead the Knights to the Division IV state championship and a 28-6 record. Thompson led the Knights in scoring, averaging 22.0 points per game and broke the single season scoring record with 748 points. Following the season, he was named 1st Team All-Del Rey League, 1st Team Daily Breeze All-Area, 2nd Team All-CIF (Open Division), 1st Team All-Junior All-State, 1st Team All-State Division IV, and 2nd Team All-State Elite.
This season, Thompson is once again posting impressive numbers for the Knights, who are 20-1 headed into their Del Rey League game against Serra tonight. Thompson is averaging 24.6 points per game while also contributing 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals. The Times notes "Whatever his team needs him to do -- pass, score, defend -- Thompson has been delivering for the... Knights." Even more impressive than the statistics he is posting on the court is the number he is posting in the classroom. Thompson carries a 4.23 grade point average.
One of, if not the top guard, in the state, Thompson is headed to Oregon State where he will continue his basketball career with the Beavers. He signed with OSU in November after receiving offers from a long list of schools, including Arizona State, Boston College, Cal-Berkeley, University of Connecticut, University of New Mexico, USC, and Vanderbilt.
Photo Credit: Stefanie Schakel