Star Gazing: Woodland’s Shaine Thompson

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On the Court: Woodland senior forward Shaine Thompson is red hot for the Hawks, who finally snapped a six-game losing streak with Tuesday’s 76-66 win over Wolcott in Beacon Falls. The senior has scored in double figures in each of the last five games, including the best performance in Woodland history in Tuesday’s game. Thompson dropped 34 points, which is not only his career high, but is a school record. He also grabbed 11 rebounds for good measure. The Hawks (5-7) need just three more wins to clinch their first state tournament berth since 2005 and just their second in school history. The goal is certainly attainable with five division games and a matchup with Oxford left on the slate.

By the Numbers: Thompson increased his scoring average by 1.6 points per game with his 34-point outburst Tuesday, as he now sits 12th in the Naugatuck Valley League with an average of 16 points per game. Since scoring just nine points Jan. 8 vs. Sacred Heart, Thompson has notched double figures in each game: 15 each against St. Paul and Wilby, 16 vs. Seymour, 14 against Kennedy, and the record-setting 34 against Wolcott. The senior also hit six-three pointers  and connected on eight free throws against the Eagles.

In His Own Words: “When I put on my shoes I felt good, and after the captains and refs talked I felt the stroke. I told [head coach Tom Hunt], ‘Count me in for 20.’ I didn’t know I was gonna get a record. I was more vocal this game calling for the ball and it just seemed like I saw a lot of opportunities and I took advantage….I came in freshman year wanting the record in the back of my mind but the team is always first….We’re looking to win our division so St. Paul, Derby, and Watertown are some must-win games. We’re all pretty excited to have Yahmad [Rountree] back, especially me, because I think he’s our best player. As long as we keep our heads and don’t panic under pressure, I think we can sneak up on some teams that underestimate us.”