At Fruita Monument High School, basketball fans are witnessing the rise of two exceptional talents: freshman Sam Hawkins and the dynamic Daniel Thomason. These athletes have become key to the team’s current and future success and are capturing the spotlight for their unique abilities and contributions, making waves both on and off the court.
Sam Hawkins, a freshman with an innate talent for basketball, has defied expectations by earning a spot on the varsity team in his first year. His impressive skill set, maturity, and work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. Hawkins plays with the poise of an upperclassman, though he hasn’t gotten much playing time this season, his talent and intelligence make him an incredible player. In future seasons, Hawkins will definitely be a talent and player to look out for. “He’s a really good player. I don’t know of any other freshman I know that can play like he can,” reports Shane Kelly, a ninth-grader at FMHS. Hawkins has quickly become a key player, and his future in the sport looks incredibly promising.
Then there’s Daniel Thomason, a player whose performance consistently impresses the crowd. Known for his explosive athleticism, exceptional shooting range, and leadership on the court, DT has become one of the most dominant players in the valley. His ability to score in a variety of ways, from long-range three-pointers to athletic drives toward the basket, makes him unpredictable and a constant challenge for opposing defenses. What sets DT apart is his unselfishness; he understands that the game is about more than just scoring. “The real thing is though, he’s crazy unselfish. He cares so much more about others than anyone else. And he does it on and off the court, he’s a great guy,” reports Brody Wickersham, a ninth grader at FMHS. His playmaking ability and willingness to support his teammates in any situation have made him not only a standout player but a key leader and motivator for Fruita Monument High School’s basketball team.
What’s even more impressive is that Daniel Thomason recently reached a major milestone in his career, scoring over 1,000 points. This impressive achievement speaks to his incredible scoring ability and consistency on the court. To score 1,000 points is a rare milestone that makes sure that DT is one of the all-time greats in the school’s basketball history. His ability to consistently put points on the board, combined with his leadership and unselfish play, has made him invaluable to the team. His milestones reflect not only his individual accomplishments but also his commitment to the success of the team.
DT’s presence on the court transcends his own skills; his ability to raise the level of play for everyone around him has been invaluable to the team. Whether it’s encouraging teammates, distributing the ball, or stepping up in clutch moments, DT is the glue that holds the team together. His passion for the game and unwavering support for his peers have made him a beloved figure within the school’s basketball community.
Together, Hawkins and DT bring a combination of youthful energy and experienced leadership to Fruita Monument High School’s basketball program. As the season ends, we are glad to have been able to see such amazing players and look forward to seeing how much better they and everyone else get next season.