Jackson County basketball player Reese Thomas said she never stops playing competitive basketball.
Thomas plays AAU basketball during the offseason. AAU basketball is designed to pair kids from across the Upper Cumberland against other kids that may not play with each other. Thomas said she has played in this summer league for a long time.
“I’ve played probably since I was in like fifth grade we’ve been playing summer ball,” Thomas said. “I think it’s just helped me get better with like, you know, simple things like using my left hand and dribbling better and things like that.”
Thomas enters her senior year at Jackson County. Thomas is one of four seniors on the team entering this season. Thomas said it is still shocking that she is a senior.
“I feel like playing AAU over the summer has helped us prepare for our senior year and hope we can make it to the state championship,” Thomas said.
Thomas has played with her three other seniors since elementary school. Thomas said that time has helped the team grow.
“I think it’s helped a lot,” Thomas said. “I feel like we all know each other pretty well and read each other good at what we’re going to do next. It’s definitely helped bonding wise cause we all four know each other so well and we get to know all the new people on our team that come up through the years.”
Thomas said she wants to bring Jackson County to state this year. Jackson County has not appeared in the state championship since the 2014 season.
Jackson County has appeared in the state championship 18 times. The 18 appearances rank among the highest by any team in the Upper Cumberland.
