Evin Thompson dribbles up the court in a playoff game against Blair.

by Hannah Mushahwar ‘24

Sherwood’s boys varsity basketball program has been completely transformed over the past two years and a crucial player in that change has been junior Evin Thompson, who brings unrivaled talent and a vibrant personality. Thompson came to Sherwood last year as a transfer and was a starter as a sophomore and the spark for the team’s historically great season. After a disappointing 5-14 season in 2021-22, the Warriors started last season with a 53-43 road win against BCC in which Thompson had 11 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals. That contribution, both offensively and defensively, became a mark of Thompson’s play for Sherwood as the team finished the regular season 17-5 and made it to the state semifinals.

Now entering into the 2023-24 season, the team has the potential to be one of the top competitors in the county and maybe in the state. Sherwood had the opportunity to play in highly competitive summer and fall leagues in the offseason where Thompson took full advantage of the competition to improve his skills. “This offseason, I’ve spent a lot of time working on becoming a more efficient shooter and scorer,” said Thompson. “More importantly, I’m focusing on my mindset. Oftentimes in the past I would doubt my ability on the basketball court.”

If Thompson comes into the new season with more confidence, that could prove a big benefit in close games when the team often relies on him for clutch performances in the fourth quarter. “On the court Evin makes a significant impact on our team,” said senior Kobi Gyan. “His scoring, ball-handling, and defensive effort makes everyone else’s job on the court much easier. Evin’s ability to take over games down the stretch with his shot-making makes him a great player and gives our team the extra push we may need to win close games.”

With other highly competitive teams around the state participating in these leagues, it forced Sherwood basketball to play to the best of their ability every game, which will hopefully prepare them for the upcoming season. With numerous younger players and transfers joining the team this year, Thompson stressed the importance of not only improving the team’s game strategies, but the culture of the program as a whole. Before each game and practice, he ushers in reassuring words of encouragement to his team, dedicated to creating an environment of positivity and team sportsmanship.

Serving as a role model for the younger players, not only does Thompson dominate on the court but he is known for his relentless optimism, generosity and bright personality in the community. “This is who I strive to be. I aim to treat everyone the same, no matter if it is a person in the hallway or a teammate; everyone gets treated with the same love and respect they deserve,” said Thompson. “Everything will transfer from how I am in the classroom to how I present myself on the court.” Noting that Sherwood won the county’s “Best Sportsmanship” award last year, Thompson is the embodiment of what it means to be an outstanding player and an uplifting teammate, and is undoubtedly one of the big reasons why Sherwood was honored with the award.

Now approaching the 2023-24 season, his goal for this year is to “keep getting better individually and collectively, and to all have the same mindset going into the season, which is to win states,” said Thompson. As he has been a chief player and role model, his hard work and determination has been gaining recognition by college recruiters. “I’m very interested in Dartmouth,” said Thompson. “However, I am open to all options as far as which program to play for.” It is safe to say that Thompson will continue to be a bright member of his community and whatever team he chooses to play for in college and beyond if he chooses to take that route.

Now, students will anxiously await to fill the stadium for the first home game against Whitman on Tuesday, December 5. After a 16-6 season last year and a trip to the state semifinals, expectations are sky high for the Warriors this coming season. Players and fans expect the team to produce results similar to last season, with hopes and dreams of potentially playing for a state championship at the Xfinity Center at University of Maryland in March.

One thing for certain is that Thompson will display the same positivity in the community, bright spirit throughout the school, and leadership on the court whatever the results may be.