On Monday afternoon, Phenom Hoops traveled to Thomasville High School to watch the Bulldogs practice. Coach Antonio Threadgill is entering his third season as head coach and is coming off of a 16-10 record and a state tournament appearance. Coach Threadgill does a great job with his team and looks to continue to build the program at Thomasville.
Although the team might be small, Thomasville is going to play hard and defend. Coach Threadgill stressed from the beginning of practice the importance of defense, effort and communication. One thing about this Thomasville team is that they are going to be loud. In a time when there are so many uncertainties surrounding Covid and what the public-school season will look like, Coach Threadgill and his players have bought into the idea that they have to make each day count. There is a shortened preseason, so each practice the players know they have to be ready and bring it. Spectators at games will be limited, so the players have to bring their own energy, and that starts with the energy they bring to practice each day. Coach Threadgill does a great job of making sure this energy and presence is felt each day.
Thomasville has several young prospects that will help lead the way for the team this season. We'll take a look at some of the players who stood out on Monday.
Jahnari Luckey 5'8 2023
Jahnari Luckey is coming off of a very productive freshman season in which he averaged 11 points, 6 assists and 2 steals per game. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with his motor and production. The quick, lefty point guard does a really good job of running the team and making the right reads. He has the ability to get into the paint with ease. Once in the paint, he makes good decisions whether scoring for himself or making plays for others. He knocked down several floaters, showcasing nice touch. He also made multiple nice drop-off passes to teammates for layups, and he also found shooters spotting up on the perimeter. Luckey excels in the open court where he can utilize his speed to set the pace for his team. Defensively, he uses his quickness well to pressure opposing ball-handlers. He also anticipates the passing lanes for steals and turns defense into offense.
Lymeake Washington 5'10 2022
Lymeake Washington stood out for his understanding of team defensive principles. A defensive back on the football team, a lot of those instincts carry over to the basketball court. Washington was always in a stance, in the right position off the ball, and communicated at a high level. The strong, explosive guard anticipates in the passing lanes really well and can create easy transition opportunities for his team. Once play really stuck out to me. He stole the ball and started 2-on-1 break. He had the ball and attacked the lone defender, didn't get out of control, then made a nice pass to his teammate who gave it right back to him for a layup. Offensively, he utilized his explosiveness to get into the paint. He attacks the basket strong. He also knocked down a few floaters and midrange pull-up jumpers.
Jonathan Gladden 6'0 2023
Jonathan Gladden is another young prospect who is expected to have a big year for the Bulldogs. Gladden is known for his shooting abilities. He knocked down several perimeter jumpers in their team's short scrimmage. He also has the ability to attack off the bounce and get into the paint, where he also showed the ability to knock down the floater.
CJ Dickerson 6'0 2023
CJ Dickerson is another football player who will be a big contributor on the defensive end for Thomasville. He excels in transition where he can utilize his athleticism and attack the basket. He also showed the ability to attack off the bounce and get to the basket. In addition, he crashes the offensive glass hard, creating second chance opportunities for his team.
Malcolm Knight 6'0 2021
Malcolm Knight is one of the few seniors on this young team. He will bring valuable experience to this group. Knight is a tough, scrappy guard who does a really good job on the ball and anticipates in the passing lanes. Knight has won the Mr. Defense Award at previous Phenom camps. The long, athletic, lefty attacked the basket strong. He also showed the ability to make the catch and shoot perimeter shot.
Jabrii Carolina 6'2 2022
Jabrii Carolina is another football player that will provide toughness and a defensive presence for this team. Although he's only 6'2, he will be asked to defend the paint and match up with opposing post players. What he lacks in height, he makes up for with strength, physicality and athleticism. Offensively, he will attack the basket strong and finish through contact.