The talent on the girls’ side here in North Carolina is incredible, and Phenom Hoops/Lady Phenom got a chance to watch some of the premier talent on display at the Phenom Summer Finale. Though it was just a short time, it was a joy to check out once again one of the top players in the country in 2024 Blanca Thomas.
Thomas has been a well-known name throughout the country for some time, and when you really watch her game, you can see why the Tar Heels should be excited about the future with her. All throughout her recruitment, programs were taking notice of what she could provide at her size, but it was ultimately North Carolina that was able to earn the victory and commitment.
And at the Summer Finale, she gave us another preview of why she is so special. Yes, she brings tremendous size at around 6’5, being an absolute force in the paint, demanding in the paint, showing touch and feel with her back to the basket, and can be an absolute monster on the boards. Thomas truly can change the game, whether it is on offense or defense. But you have to recognize how skilled she is a big on the floor, as she can do so many other things.
She truly can be a difference-maker on the floor with her passing ability at her position, reading and seeing the entire floor, and finding her teammates extremely well. She also is showing more of her expanded game that she continues to work on, stretching the floor, adding more levels to her scoring, and operating from a variety of ways. You add all of that to her presence offensively and defensively, Thomas changes the game.
And what is very interesting is how there is more room for growth and development, which only makes her even scarier. North Carolina won big in earning a commitment from Thomas, as she not only left a lasting mark at the Summer Finale but also looks to have one more big season at Charlotte Catholic.