Vernon Hills’ Keira Thomas is preparing for an expanded role next season.
The 5-foot-8 junior guard will be the unquestioned leader of the Cougars.
“I think this summer has been going well,” she said. “It’s definitely been better than last year. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to show my skills. It’s been fun and motivating, but at times challenging. I’m really excited for this season.”
After playing a reserve role as a freshman, Thomas shot up the depth chart last season to become an integral player for a young team. She capped a breakout season for the Cougars (10-22) by being named to the Central Suburban League all-conference team.
“I’m a scorer, but I don’t do just one thing,” Thomas said. “I can play any position, even in the post or point guard.”
Vernon Hills coach Paul Brettner agreed that Thomas can do many things well and said she will be one of the top players in Lake County in her final two seasons.
“We relied on her for scoring, defense and rebounding,” Brettner said. “She should be better at all of those things next year.”
Brettner said Thomas has become more well-rounded on the offensive end.
“She’s a really good scorer,” Brettner said. “She can pretty much score at all three levels. Now she can shoot from three, get to the rim and has a mid-range game.”
Thomas said she’s not afraid of the challenge of leading the Cougars. She has watched her mother, Shannon, lead a family of four kids.
“I’ve seen my mom do everything,” Thomas said. “She’s my best friend and very supportive. She encourages me.”
Thomas said she has also learned from older brothers Hassan, 27, Isaiah, 26, and Justice, 24.
“It was hard since they were so much older than me,” Thomas said. “I never had anyone to hang out with. But they protected me and also have been very supportive of me. They taught me to be more aggressive and not to take anything from anyone on the court.”
Shannon Thomas, who noted that Keira watched her brothers compete in various sports, said they had a significant impact.
“It was interesting after Keira was born,” Shannon Thomas said. “The boys took on this huge role of being a brother to her but also a father figure to her. They all stepped up. That’s all she’s known.”
Shannon Thomas said Keira’s brothers remain role models as she thrives for Vernon Hills.
“They still talk on the phone, give her advice and help her with her game,” Shannon Thomas said. “She wants to make sure everything she does is holding up to the standard of her brothers.”
Thomas, who also plays volleyball, runs track and sings in the school choir, proudly says, “I’m an aunt to a 4-month-old baby girl.”
She has learned some life lessons from her brothers that she can apply to basketball too, she said.
“My brothers encourage me to keep going even if things aren’t looking good,” Thomas said.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
