By ZOE PETERSON – Sports Editor
By FLORA LECHTRECK – Staff Writer
Senior and varsity basketball player Tyra Thompson uses her laid back disposition and gentle nature to lead by example on and off the court.
Senior and Clarke Central High School varsity basketball captain Tyra Thompson has been on the varsity basketball team during all four years of high school and began playing in the fourth grade.
“I actually started playing because people told me that I was tall enough to play,” Thompson said. “I didn’t like it at first, but I just kept playing and then I just got interested in it so I kept playing.”
Thomson plays point guard, shooting guard and forward. She likes to be a point guard the most, however, because she likes being in charge of where the ball goes.
“Point guard (is my favorite) because I just like handling the ball, and when I’m at point guard, I can direct people and tell them where to go on the floor,” Thompson said. “When you’re at point guard, you’re the one who mainly controls the ball at the top.”
Thompson was very quiet as a freshman, but throughout her years playing basketball, she has transformed into a leader to her teammates.
“Becoming a leader is one of the things I did over the past couple years because I usually don’t talk that much on the court, but I’ve started talking a little bit more now,” Thompson said.
Thompson believes that she leads by example versus being more of a vocal leader.
“I was told to lead by example instead of by words, so basically doing what I’m supposed to do so people can see how it’s done,” Thompson said. “I try to keep (my teammates) out of trouble, tell them where to go on the court and help them in the classroom if they need it.”
Head girls varsity basketball coach Carla Johnson has also noticed how Thompson’s work ethic sets a good precedent for the team.
“She doesn’t say a lot, but she leads by example, she plays hard, goes about her way, doesn’t really stir up a lot of issues, but she just does what she’s expected to do,” Johnson said.
Although the senior point guard doesn’t always show up as a star on the score sheets, Johnson believes that her kind personality and impalpable things she brings to the team are more important.
“She’s a very unselfish player. A lot of times you don’t see it in the stat line as far as points go, but the other intangibles that she brings to the court, from assists, steals, defense, rebounds may not show up on points, but she’s a very integral part of our program and our team,” Johnson said.
Thomson has developed a close relationship with her teammate, sophomore Aaliyah Hall, during her time at CCHS.
“I looked up to her when I was in fifth grade,” Hall said. “She just taught me so much when we were younger, and if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I’d be playing ball right now.”
Johnson has also realized how Thomson’s easygoing persona and hard work ethic have inspired Hall to push herself on and off the court.
“I think (Aaliyah) looks up to her,” Johnson said. “(Tyra) works hard and does what she’s expected to do, and I think that’s a big part of what Aaliyah looks up to as a basketball player and as a person.”
Johnson believes that Thompson will be successful at whatever she does in life because of her all around strong character.
“I’m very proud of her and the way she’s handled herself throughout these high school years,” Johnson said. “When it’s all said and done, when you stop playing basketball, having good character and being a good person is very important in life in general.”
