Charlotte Catholic center Blanca Thomas shines as an old school post player

Blanca Thomas is determined to keep two things in style. Charlotte Catholic’s 6-foot-5 center — who has signed with North Carolina — hopes her decision to matriculate as a student-athlete at an in-state university will inspire others to do likewise. Before then, Thomas seeks to help the Cougars to their first 4A state final by being an “old school” or “throwback” pivot or post presence.

“A lot of post players don’t like to be ‘back to the basket,’” Thomas said. “If you can score ‘back to the basket,’ and you can start scoring 10 points off that, then you start fading out, and they can’t guard that. They’re waiting for you to make a ‘back to the basket’ move.”

Thomas made a top-of-the-key jump shot to open the second quarter’s scoring in Charlotte Catholic’s 60-48 win over Watauga on Wednesday in a John Wall Holiday Invitational opening round game. Thomas’ game outcome impact, though, came in the second half, during which she played all 16 minutes, committed zero fouls, and scored 16 of her game high 26 points including six field goals, almost exclusively from the short corners and closer.

Thomas, among North Carolina’s generational girls’ basketball class of 2024, naturally wants to involve her Cougars teammates. Therein is the challenge, opportunity, and responsibility for fostering and demonstrating continuous growth.

“Some of it is reminding her that sometimes being unselfish is doing what you don’t want to do,” Charlotte Catholic coach Robert Conrad said. “Sometimes, it’s okay to say, ‘Hey, I’ve got her. You missed me.’ Like she said, it comes back later.”

Conrad further clarified his words by focusing on Thomas demanding the basketball in the low post and saying, “She needs to do it more.”

Thomas’ maturation in this regard was evident inside the third quarter’s three-minute mark. She sealed her defender deep in the lane but did not receive an entry pass. Approximately one minute later, Thomas positioned herself to receive the basketball, after which she made a strong drive and finish before converting a traditional three-point play.

In the fourth quarter, Thomas demonstrated sound footwork on a short corner half-turnaround jumper and fundamental hand-eye coordination by catching and keeping the basketball high to score on her bookend field goals in the period. Thomas, who netted 62.5 percent of her field-goal attempts, also tallied game highs of 12 rebounds and six free throws.

“When we work inside out is when we’re best,” Thomas said.

Wednesday’s win against Watauga was the Cougars’ 10th in as many outings this season. Thomas’ perseverance in creating her next scoring opportunity is just one of two ways she plans to be heard this remaining season.

As for demanding the basketball, “I’m going to be more vocal,” Thomas said.