Senior guard Cameron Thomas didn’t think he was going to play, but he was ready to push through the pain to help rescue Mount Carmel.
Thomas, who has been dealing with a leg injury, hadn’t practiced since the Caravan’s last game, a Nov. 30 win over New Trier.
But after sitting out the first 2 1/2 quarters Tuesday night against Providence, he came off the bench willing to give everything he had.
“I didn’t expect to get in at all, but I was ready,” Thomas said. “I was just staying prepared. Then it was just a, ‘Go. We need you.’”
Thomas delivered a heroic performance over the final 12 minutes of the game, providing 12 points and nine rebounds as host Mount Carmel held off the Celtics for a 68-57 win in a Catholic League crossover game in Chicago.
Air Force recruit Grant Best led the Caravan (5-0) with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Noah Mister added 18 points and George Gray chipped in with five points and five rebounds.
Seth Cheney scored 20 points for Providence (1-5). Ryan Lipke finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Kelechi Enyia added 11 points.
Thomas entered the game for the first time midway through the third quarter with his team struggling and the home crowd stunned.
The Celtics, who kept the game close all night, had reeled off six straight points to take a 40-38 lead.
Thomas, though, quickly scored to tie the game and delivered six points during a 14-2 surge to close the quarter with the Caravan up 52-42.
“He was a big addition in the second half,” Best said of Thomas. “He willed us to that win. Those were big rebounds, and his defensive effort was big.
“He played with high intensity, and he really made the most of what he had and really helped us win this game.”
Thomas is averaging 15.2 points on the young season, but he said his focus is more on doing the little things.
“I already know that Grant and Noah can get a basket,” Thomas said. “I know we’ve got other guys who can shoot. So, whatever I can do, whether it’s blocks or rebounds or assists, that’s what I’ll do.”
Thomas is also averaging 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.6 blocked shots and 1.4 assists.
He said the initial injury occurred in the Caravan’s 46-43 win over Lake Forest on Nov. 27. He nonetheless scored 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds three days later in a 63-47 victory over New Trier.
“It kind of got worse after that,” Thomas said. “I had to take some time off to recuperate and get better.”
Mount Carmel coach Phil Segroves was sure glad he could turn to Thomas when he needed him against the Celtics.
“We talked about him playing limited minutes,” Segroves said. “He’s been dealing with a little injury. Why risk it now? But due to Providence’s hard work, we needed him in there.
“He was really active all over the place. He’s that type of athlete, even when he’s not even 100%. Thank goodness he was available. He agreed, and our trainer agreed, that he was good to go in limited action.”
The first half was a showdown between Best, who scored 16 points, and Cheney, who poured in 17.
Mount Carmel limited Cheney’s looks in the second half, but the Celtics fought hard until Thomas’ entrance put the Caravan over the top.
“I definitely felt a little burn,” Thomas said. “But it’s nothing. I’ve been working really hard so I can get to 100%. Hopefully, by Friday, I’ll be 100%.
“It felt pretty good (Tuesday). I was in a little pain, but it was worth it.”
