Antonio Thompson 6’3 160 2024 Grassfield High School (VA)
Didn’t take me long watching Antonio play to realize he has a chance to be a special player! He is long and athletic and so fluid and effortless in his execution of what for some may be difficult basketball plays. He has a natural feel and brings versatility on both ends of the floor due to his length, quickness, and his willingness to do whatever is asked of him. Antonio attacks downhill using quick, rangy strides and a powerful burst. Demonstrates excellent body control and the ability to absorb contact and score, contort his body and finish around contact or just go right over the top showing his explosive leaping ability. His touch is fantastic both using the glass and with an assortment of runners and he’s so efficient scoring on the move.
Antonio can stretch the floor with a very good jumper and three-point range and rip and blow right by you and he attacks space with a vengeance. One of the better pull-up games in the area showing fluidity and discipline in his shot mechanics to include a high release which, given his length and lift is impossible to block. His acceleration is impressive both off a hesitation or from a standstill and he attacks the rim in an elusive manner able to shift into another gear and turn into a blur as he explodes to the rim. Antonio is a valuable defender bringing versatility and most importantly the willingness to defend multiple positions. His length, powerful leaping ability and a good amount of upper body strength allow him to be a factor on the glass, not to mention his timing and again his desire to possess the basketball for his team. Antonio also has quickness including lateral quickness which combined with his length makes him an impactful defender on and off the ball.
Grassfield High School Coach Head Men’s Basketball Coach Erik Johnson tells us, “this young man has unlimited potential and the work ethic to match!” Antonio is also the beneficiary of having the opportunity to train under the tutelage of Coach Tony Collins who played his college basketball at Virginia State University and spent 30 years coaching at the college level! Coach Collins led his alma mater to the 2009 CIAA Semifinals and earned CIAA Coach of the Year honors in 2007. What better a mentor to have than someone who has had a long and highly successful career at the collegiate ranks. Coach Collins says he enjoys working with Antonio because “Antonio realizes he has a long way to go to get to where he needs to be and to get to where he wants to go.” “Some kids hear their name called and they think they have arrived and that’s not the case. But Antonio has a lot of work ahead of him and he understands that which makes it a joy to work with him” adds Coach Collins. Not a well-known player in the 757 yet, but I expect by this time next year he will be a name to know throughout Virginia! Antonio Thompson…watch for him!