#and then right after this she scooped up the ball and scored the winning basket

[bornincaldecott]

"ᴡᴇ ʙᴏᴛʜ ɢᴏᴛ ᴘᴀꜱᴛꜱ. ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ…ᴍᴀʏʙᴇ…ᴡᴇ ɢᴏᴛ ᴀ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ, ɴᴇʜ?"

x-ᴍᴇɴ '97 | ꜱ1.ᴇ3 | "ꜰɪʀᴇ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ꜰʟᴇꜱʜ"

[peach-pops]

hey!! I love your writing and was wondering if u could do a scenario of either iwaizumi or kuroo where they hit the ball too hard and it hits their s/o which also happens to be the manager of their team

Thank you for this request! I hope it’s okay that i decided to write them both cause duh. 

Iwaizumi + Kuroo Hitting Their S/O with a Volleyball

➣Iwaizumi 

“ Iwa-chan, if you stare at her much longer, she’s going to file a restraining order against you,” Oikawa teased as Iwaizumi peeled his eyes off of you and sent a glare towards his teammate who was getting ready to serve,” not to mention your eyes are practically bulging out of your head and it’s making you look like a toad.” 

Iwaizumi slapped the volleyball out of Oikawa’s hands as a small whine came out of the setter’s mouth. Iwaizumi held in his laughter as he watched Oikawa run after the ball and turned his attention back to you.

Iwaizumi had no shame, you two had been dating for a short time but now it wasn’t as big of a deal if you caught him staring at you versus before the two of you got together. You weren’t his first girlfriend but so far, things were already looking out to be good between the two of you. 

There haven’t been any fights or any signs of problems so Iwaizumi had nothing to worry about. Everything worked out perfectly, he was always busy with volleyball but since you were the manager for Aoba Johsai, you two still got to see each other and hang out normally. 

As long as you two didn’t hurt each other, he could see things working out in his favor. 

Of course, he would be speaking too soon. 

“ Hey, less staring and more serving,” You teased as you walked past him carrying a heavy cardboard box filled with some workout gear,” if you practiced as much as you stared at my ass, you would be number one in Japan.” 

Iwaizumi scanned the room quickly to make sure no one was looking and gave you a hard smack on your butt, causing you to yell back a stern, “Hajime!” 

He only chuckled as he grabbed a ball from one of the baskets and started to practice his serves. The Spring High Preliminaries were only a few weeks away but Iwaizumi already felt so confident in himself that they would have the chance to compete in Nationals.

He had never trained this hard before and he was in his element, not only was he serving harder than ever before,  he felt like everything else simply went away when he was playing. 

That’s why he didn’t notice you walking straight into his serve on the other side of the court. He shouted for your name but it was already too late. The ball collided right into your cheek and you cried out in pain as you fell over, sending the boxes straight to the ground. 

Iwaizumi just stood there for a second because no way did that actually just happen, he could’ve sworn it only happened in the movies but once he heard you crying out his name, his legs went on autopilot. 

Iwaizumi ran over to you and practically jumped over a first-year, thinking crapcrapcrapcrap as he slid against the floor and hovered over your body,” Y/N! Shit I am so sorry, can you hear me? Y/N are you okay?” 

You nodded but your face said otherwise as tears leaked out of your eyes. Your whole face was flushed red and there was a huge mark on the right side of your cheek where you got hit. Your whole body felt sore from hitting the ground but you still managed to hold up a thumbs up. 

“ Iwa-chan you could’ve killed her!” Oikawa exclaimed as he kneeled beside his friend,” luckily, your serves aren’t as deadly as mine, otherwise she would definitely be unconscious.” 

You and Iwaizumi both stopped panicking for a moment to glare back at Oikawa as he raised his hands defensively and backed away from the crime scene. 

“ It’s my fault, I should’ve paid attention to where I was walking,” You insisted as you tried to stand up but Iwaizumi stopped you from doing so,” I’m okay, really. It doesn’t hurt that bad.” 

“ I’m going to take you to the nurse, you could have a concussion,” Iwaizumi said as you waved him off. 

“ Hajime, I don’t need-”

“ Shut up and let me carry you,” Iwaizumi huffed before he scooped you up in his arms and carried you bridal style to the nurse,” god you’re so stubborn, you know that?” 

He knew you were pretty headstrong and most of the time, he let it slide but since it was a matter of your health, he just ignored you whining on about how you didn’t need to see the nurse. 

It was silent most of the way to the nurse as if you both had a feeling that there was a good possibility that you had a concussion but when the nurse actually confirmed it, Iwaizumi’s heart sank. 

No matter how much you tried to convince him that you felt fine, he knew it was 100% his fault and he felt even guiltier when the nurse told you that you should take a day off from school. 

“ Don’t worry, I’m gonna be right by your side all day tomorrow, okay?” Iwaizumi reassured you as he walked you back home,” I got all of your homework from your teachers but you don’t have to worry about it cause I’ll help you through it.”

“ Hajime, you still have school. You can’t miss it just because I have a concussion. Trust me, I’ll be fine without you.”

“ Please just let me take care of you. I already feel shitty as it is, let me look after you for my own sanity,” Iwaizumi sighed as you bit the inside of your cheek. 

His teammates always saw him to be serious most of the time and sometimes a bit too brash but when it came to you, he was so sensitive and even though you felt perfectly fine, you eventually caved in,” Okay, only because you’re begging me. Remember, you have to take care of me so that means you have to give me sooo much attention and you can’t complain.” 

“ I never complain,” Iwaizumi huffed as he pulled you in closer to his side. 

➣Kuroo

“ Please Tetsuro, just one quick game. It always looks so fun watching you guys play and it’s not like I’m terrible,” You pouted as your shoes squeaked against Nekoma’s gym floors,” I’ll let you take Kenma and I’ll even have Lev on my team if it makes it easier for you.” 

Kuroo wrapped his hands around your waist and hummed as if he was considering your offer. You were the manager for the boy’s volleyball team but you always pestered your boyfriend to let you play because he knew you got bored on the sidelines.  

“ Fine, only because you asked so nicely,” Kuroo smirked as he leaned down to plant a light kiss on your lips before calling some of the boys over. 

He took Kenma and Yaku while you had Lev and Teshiro and you each took your spots on opposite sides of the net. 

“ You know babe, I’m not gonna go easy on you just because you’re a girl,” Kuroo said with a wink as you rolled your eyes. 

“ I’d be offended if you did Captain,” You teased back as Lev took his spot to serve. 

For the most part, you could keep up with the boys and while Kuroo got some spikes past you, you managed to return the favor and send them flying his way. The score was tied at this point and you looked up at Kuroo through the net, who was resting his hands on his knees to catch his breath. 

“You know you can stop going easy on me or wait, are you playing at your best?” You mocked playfully as you wiped some of the sweat off of your forehead with the back of your hand. 

Kuroo could only let out a hasty laugh; even though he wasn’t playing at 110%, he wasn’t holding back on anything and that’s why he was so exhausted. 

“ You’re gonna regret that babe,” Kuroo sighed as the next point went into play. 

You watched closely as Lev spiked the ball over but Yaku easily slid down to reach it, sending the ball up in the air for Kenma to set. 

Focus, just focus you thought as Kenma set the ball over to Kuroo. 

You waited and counted to three before jumping up and spread your fingers out. You were directly in his path and you both knew that there was no way around it. Kuroo took a steady breath and slammed the ball down as hard as he could, sending the ball straight into your nose. 

Kuroo saw it all happen in slow motion, once the ball hit you right in the face, the ball rolled over the net and onto his side but he didn’t care about the winning point. He watched helplessly as you grabbed your nose in pain and hit the floor with a loud thud. 

You groaned and held tight onto your nose, trying your best to not get any blood on the gym floor because you knew you would have to clean it up later. 

“ Motherfucker,” You cried out in pain as you started to feel tears stream down your face,” i-is it broken?” 

Kuroo kneeled beside you as Kenma quickly went over to the bench to grab a towel,” I- uh there’s a lot of blood can’t see but I don’t think so. Fuck, does it hurt baby?”

“ Of course it hurts! You pummeled me in the face,” You whined as Kuroo quickly grabbed the towel from Kenma’s hand and held it against your nose,” did I block it?” 

Kuroo’s mind was going all over the place, he was more worried about him hurting you than if you had won or not and it took you asking three more times before he heard you,” Yeah you blocked it with your face dummy, congrats you won. I’m gonna take you to the nurse okay?” 

“ Yes please,” You groaned sarcastically as Kuroo carried you in his arms and you let out a laugh,” I can walk perfectly fine thank you very much.” 

“ I know but I look more heroic like this,” Kuroo teased back to clear some of the tension,” but god, Y/N I’m sorry I almost killed you. I’ll make it up to you baby I promise. ” 

“ Don’t flatter yourself Tetsuro, the spike wasn’t that hard,” You said as you pointed to your nose” you better hope you didn’t break my face, this is my moneymaker right here.” 

Kuroo was thankful you weren’t angry at him but he still felt so guilty because you both knew it hurt way more than it looked,” You’re beautiful no matter what babe...but see? I told you I wouldn’t take it easy on you.”

[doobler]

Luke/Alex - 1

"Go long, Sam!"

The sound of uproarious laughter filled Pelican Town. Sam stumbled but managed to keep his stride, arms extended forward after he chased after the gridball. Alex's throw had been mighty, a deadly spin and strong arm making it sail clear across the grass. Sebastian and Haley watched from a nearby bench, Emily cheering excitedly. Maru and Penny stood by her, chatting together and periodically joining in with Emily's voice.

"Damn!" Sam lunged but missed, sliding on his belly through the grass. The ball thudded a mere foot in front of his outstretched hands. "Best five outta seven!"

"You're on!" Alex grinned. He held his palms up high above his head, touching his thumbs to form a small makeshift goal. "But don't come cryin' to me when you wake up with grass burns and bruises tomorrow!"

The game went on, Sam scoring the occasional point as Alex pushed himself harder and harder. He was winning for sure but he'd learned that this was simply for fun, a way to hone his skills while bonding with his fellow friends and townspeople. Plus, the activity easily counted for his daily workout and he was having a damned good time.

Luke made his way up the slope towards the community center. He heard everyone well before he saw them. A little smile played at his lips as he propped his little basket of freshly picked fruits and vegetables against his hip.

"Oh, hey, it's Luke!" Emily waved with her whole body and everyone's attention shifted from the game to their beloved local farmer. "Whatcha got there?"

"Today's harvest," He rumbled, patting the basket affectionately. "Nothing ready to eat right now unless you wanna crunch on a cranberry."

"I'll do it if you pay me." Sebastian joked.

"Do you have anymore sunflowers?" Haley skipped up closer, hands clasped, eyes big and pleading. "The last one you gave me was so gorgeous."

"Maybe in a week, we'll see if these winds die down," Luke beamed. "Where's Abigail? I have a pumpkin I think she may like."

"She's in the forest last I heard--"

"Shit!"

Everyone whipped back to the game. Alex was on his rear, clutching at his ankle as Sam hovered over him. The little group shuffled over, a chorus of worried voices building.

"Are you okay, Alex?"

"What happened?"

"Oh no, are you alright?"

Luke crouched down and they all went terribly silent and still as stone. He gently pushed up the hem of Alex's jeans, ghosting his thumb along his ankle. Alex winced then promptly tried to stifle the pain.

"Sprained. I can tell," Luke cuffed his pant leg, leaning a little further into Alex's space. "I'll take you to Harvey's. He'll have a brace."

"I'm fine! I'm fine," Alex snapped. He didn't push Luke away, though. "I just tripped is all. No worries. We've got a game to play--"

"You can't play on a sprain. You'll destroy your ankle. Then you'll never play again," Luke's usually blank and neutral expression was stern, his brows drawn in. "Which do you prefer?"

"... We can go to Harvey's." Alex muttered at last, wrenching away his gaze.

Ignoring the volley of curses, Luke easily scooped Alex up into his arms, carrying him bridal style. He started making his way back into town, towards the clinic.

"At ease," Luke called back over his shoulder. "We'll be fine."

"I'll take your basket back to the farm if you want!" Emily volunteered.

"If you could bring it to the saloon, I'd really appreciate it." Luke twisted back for a moment, shooting her a smile.

"No problemo!"

Their little group of friends cheered their condolences and goodbyes before shuffling back into their regular activities.

As they made their way towards the town center, Alex fidgeted. He only stopped when Luke came to a halt, standing in the shadow of Pierre's store.

"Are you alright?" Luke spoke softly.

"... Yeah. Thanks," Alex glanced at him sideways. His cheeks were flushed. "You didn't have to. Carry me."

"You can't walk on an injury--"

"You. Know what I mean. Thank you."

Luke huffed, though a smile graced his lips. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the corner of Alex's mouth. Alex tightened his hold on Luke's shoulders. He was trembling.

"C'mon. Before Harvey packs up for the day," Luke resumed his pace. "Then maybe you could join me for dinner?"

"Yeah. Maybe," Alex managed a cocky little grin. "And for anything else that might happen after that."

Luke laughed, bright and loud, and Alex's heart did a little backflip.

"One thing at a time, love," Luke's thick accent cloaked the petname like thick dark honey. "Let's get you looked at first."

[sakurajimahigh]

Quarter: Zero

"How do you like that, sports fans!? It's a tie going into halftime here at Sakurajima High's Zone Amphitheater. And, man, has it been a brutal match so far! I dare say that the number of fouls today has been unprecedented in the Kamigami Junior League’s High School Division ! Especially the ones that have gone on right under the ref's nose, Ken!"

"Indeed, Mark! But it's so hard to prove those to be fouls and not the accidents that they seem to be. Tsuyosa has a reputation for powerful, forceful plays. But, recently, the rumour mill’s been talking about a new style which is both dangerous and crooked."

"Right you are. But there's no way to substantiate those claims. Though, a review of past games might be in order... Now, let's look at these numbers! Tsuyosa's monster of a Power Forward and Second Year ace, Setsuden Kenta. True to his heritage, he is the very essence of strength, working on a double-double in field goals and rebounds. He is 10 for 15 from the paint and has 9 rebounds so far. Sakurajima's own starlet, Par-...."

"Hold on, Mark, there seems to be a commotion at the referees' table! A player from Sakurajima just walked over and suddenly EVERYONE's on their feet! What agitation! Managing teachers, coaches and players from both sides are mobbing the table! Oh, wait, looks like Setsuden is getting in the Sakurajima player's face!! What is going on!?"

"A table referee is holding up a sign... Oh. My. Gods! Could it be? Oh, yes, Ken! YES! Looks like there's going to be a halftime JAAAAAAAAAMMM!!!"

"For the first time in three years, Mark, in Sakurajima High, there's going to be a JAM at Halftime! AMAZING!!!"

"For those watching from home, a Jam is a one-on-one match using the full court. It's like a duel, but with Basketball! And, like a duel, Ken, there's always something at stake, varying anywhere from favours to consorts! Anything could be at stake!"

"Especially with the players being the Scions of the Divine! But who's the challenger!? Wait, wait, wait! The announcement's on the video screens! Looks like it's...”

“... Sakurajima's number 13, Akihito Konamo'i?”

“A relative nobody against Tsuyosa's current ace, Setsuden!!? Who in the Nine Hells is this kid!? Mark, do you have anything on Sakurajima's new number 13!??"

"Well, Ken, for starters, we don't have much to go on, paper-wise. He's a transfer student from the States, starting his first year of high school here. Plays as a Center Forward, but his stats are non-existent!"

"He's a FRESHMAN!? He MUST be INSANE to challenge one of the best, if not the best, Power Forwards in the Kamigami Junior Leagues!"

"Hold on, Ken, something's not right here. That kid looks too intense. Too confident. Can you scope that aura!? More info is required! We need the ORACLE!"

"Right then, Mark, I've got you covered. The mob and furor around the refs' table has dissipated, but can you feel that tension in the air? The stakes are on screen now: a female player from each side has been laid down on the outcome of the Jam! Whoever wins the Jam has the wagered player transfered to the winner's school!? On a best two-of-three Jam!? Incredible! Unbelievable!"

"The first player to score two baskets out of three attempts in a 1 minute and 30 seconds or under of playtime WINS. If Sakurajima's number 13 wins, Tsuyosa will lose their talented and pretty - she has a small following in Tsuyosa - Shooting Guard, Tetsubara Rinata-chan! If he loses, he will leave Japan and Tsuyosa will receive Sakurajima's star player, Anika Wickramasurya!! AMAZING!!!"

"The Sakurajima bench is strangely quiet while the freshman has a quiet word with their coach. Akihito steps out on to the court, cool as you like, and waits, seemingly unconcerned, at the refs' table."

"Seems like some harsh words being exchanged between Setsuden and Tetsubara. Was that a flicker of anger from Akihito? Or was it just my imagination??"

"Now, the two players have moved to center court... Referee Tomokawa Daisen hefts the ball... TIP-OOOOOFF!"

"Akihito grabs the ball ahead of Setsuden. My gods, what a leap! And such height! But, wait! The whistle's been blown! What, Akihito touched the ball before it hit its highest point!? UN-BEE-LEE-VAH-BEL!!! Let's see that in a quick replay!"

"Ladies and gents, Akihito's height and wingspan may become a pain for other teams in future! This is crazy!!"

"Returning to the Jam at hand, Setsuden has possession and moves in at a quick jog after a quick bounce check from center court. Akihito is crouched between the three-point and free throw lines, arms out. Wait, he's straightened up! His posture's become very relaxed!? His head is even tilted to the left! What is he DOING!? Setsuden dribbles, here comes his signature double cross-over and then, suddenly, dashes in, cutting past on Akihito's left!"

"But, Akihito is suddenly right in Setsuden's face! How did he move so fast!? Setsuden has been stopped in his tracks, almost right back at the free throw line! The snarl on Setsuden's face is fierce! What is he goi-..."

"WOAH! WOAH! A STEAL, A STEAL! AKIHITO HAS STRIPPED SETSUDEN OF THE BALL! HE'S GOING COAST TO COAST!! SETSUDEN'S CHASING!!! THE CROWD'S ON ITS FEET AND ROARING LOUD!!! SETSUDEN HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY CAUGHT UP!!! BUT!!! AKIHITO SUDDENLY LEAPS FROM JUST PAST THE THREE POINT LINE!!!! A LANE-UP FROM THERE, WHAT THE HELL!?!!!!"

"OH! MY!! GODS!!!"

"SLAAAAAAAAAMMMDUNNNNKKK!!! 18 FEET LONG AND 13 FEET HIGH AIRWALK A LA MICHAEL JORDAN!!! UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!!! AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!!!"

"Look at this kid! So composed, so focused! Just a small fist pump after his dunk! And Akihito calmly backpedals towards the free throw line. And there's the bounce check! Setsuden is powering down woodwork. He's really pulling out the stops, he's so fast that he's almost a blur!!"

"But Akihito is keeping pace! Seriously, Mark, who is this kid!?"

"Still checking, Ken, gimme a few!"

"O-kay, Mark, and... WHAT A MONSTER OF A BLOCK!!! Took my eyes away for only a few seconds and the Jammers already made it to the hoop! But! An impossible block on Setsuden's clutch dunk!! Akihito slipped in between him and the basket!!! And Akihito is acting like it's a normal day at work!!!"

"Both benches are stunned! BOTH! I don't think that Sakurajima was expecting this level of output from Akihito!!"

"Bounce check from the sideline for Setsuden. You can almost taste the aura pouring off of him. He. Is. Pissed."

"And, yet again, Akihito is already up in Setsuden's grille on defence! He's quick, I'll grant him that, his speed has been beyond expectations so far."

"Less than 50 seconds on the countdown and 18 on the shot clock to go."

"WHAT!? THE BALL'S KNOCKED LOOSE! THEY'RE CHASING IT AS IT BOUNCES UPCOURT TOWARDS TSUYOSA'S BASKET!!"

"AKIHITO SCOOPS IT UP AND HEADS TO THE BASKET! A CUT-IN FROM THE LEFT, A JUMP, SETSUDEN'S SUDDENLY BETWEEN AKIHITO AND THE BASKET!!"

"AKIHITO IN MID-JUMP, MID-AIR, DOUBLE CLUTCHES, SPINS OUT A 360 AROUND SETSUDEN AND SLAMS IT HOOOOOMMME!!!"

"THIS JAM IS OVER! AKIHITO WIIIIINNNS!!!"

"Akihito offers a handshake but Setsuden slaps it away and walks off. Ooooooohhh. But he suddenly stiffens mid-stride. Did Akihito say something?"

"Ken..."

"Yes, Mark?"

"Sakurajima has gotten their hands on a MONSTER."

"Sorry, Mark? You mean he's not a Scion??"

"No, no, Ken, NO! Just read this!"

"Just a moment, let's have a look at this..."

"Akihito Konamo'i, born October 1997 in Hawai'i, USA. Moved to New York on the mainland in 2009. Last measured 2014 at 6 feet, 9 inches tall with a wingspan of 6 feet 10 and a half inches wide. Played for Ticonderoga High School, the Defiants, junior high through to his sophomore year in high school as their Center Forward. Drafted to the Dark River Ferrymen of the Olympean Basketball Association in the Spring of his sophomore year to play in their Junior Division. Played 6 games as a first stringer, averaging approximately 20 points a game with a number of assists, blocks and rebounds, racking up double-doubles. Then took an unexplained leave of absence from February 2013 onwards for an undefined period of time. Transferred here to Sakurajima in the Fall 2014."

"He's 17!? No. Freaking. WAY!!! AND A JUNIOR PRO!?"

"I KNOW, KEN, IT'S INSANE. Sakurajima has a MONSTER of a player and I don't think that they’d realized it! Though that just might have changed now!"

"But, let's get on with the Halftime Report, Ken, before we run out of halftime!"

"Right you are, Mark!"

[biofunmy]

Alyssa Thomas Is One of a Kind of a Big Deal in the W.N.B.A.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — In theory, it should be possible to slow down or even stop Alyssa Thomas, the hybrid 6-foot-2 forward for the Connecticut Sun.

Plagued by significant injuries to both her shoulders, Thomas is unable to raise her arms above her head right now. Yet the often-overlooked Thomas is the player no one on the star-studded Los Angeles Sparks frontcourt can stop as the semifinal series shifts to Game 3 on Sunday — and the player who has posted a pair of double-doubles over the past week to lead the Sun to within one win of the W.N.B.A. finals.

Thomas draws comparisons to many of the best in the N.B.A. and W.N.B.A. alike, yet she possesses a game entirely her own.

“I’ve had to change my game,” Thomas said, sitting at her locker after posting 12 points and 13 rebounds in Thursday night’s Game 2 win. “At Maryland, I was all about mid-range jumpers, doing all of that. And I know how people are going to play me. But I do have a full game, and I do attack really hard. So despite how people are playing me, I still can find my way to the rim.”

People struggle for easy analogues to Thomas. She finds open teammates, an additional playmaker on a starting five with a more traditional point guard in Jasmine Thomas and a combo guard, Courtney Williams, who reached a career-best assist percentage this year.

Sun Coach Curt Miller, after Game 1, compared her to Candace Parker, another forward capable of running her team’s offense. But Parker’s array of shots, her length and her rim protection are of a fundamentally different shape than Thomas’s overall contributions.

Thomas’s college coach, Brenda Frese, compared her to LeBron James, with his ability to physically overwhelm opponents. Frese knew she had found someone special when she first saw Thomas play in high school, and skipped a U.S.A. Basketball event to go see Thomas instead at the Battle of Baltimore, a local tournament.

Image

Thomas, shown here facing off with Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, has come to be known for her strength and power on the court.CreditEthan Miller/Getty Images

“I had chills,” Frese said. “I instantly knew, just watching her in the layup line warming up. I couldn’t wait for the game to start. … What separates Alyssa is her speed, power and competitiveness. You cannot stop her in the open court in transition.”

The Sparks have discovered that throughout the series. In Game 1 — while Connecticut’s two leading scorers, Jonquel Jones and Williams, struggled to find their shots early on — Thomas took on the role of primary scorer, too, putting 13 points on the board in the first quarter to keep the Sun afloat.

And she’s doing it with a combination of brute force and sleight-of-hand trickery: a tone-setting glide up the floor, followed by an inevitable drive to the rim. Less than two minutes in on Thursday night came her first such trip that concluded with a scoop shot, a concession to her physical limitations that does not include giving up scoring at will.

It is her decision to continue on past her teammates and to the basket, finishing around, over and through defenders in her way — no small feat against a Sparks team featuring Parker, a former most valuable player, and a pair of Ogwumike sisters as impediments — that has lifted her Sun to the edge of the finals.

There’s a reason the sound of a car engine revs in the Mohegan Sun Arena after every Thomas basket: The best comparison to Thomas is not another player but the popular meme of a child running someone over with a small vehicle.

“She’s really, really smart,” Miller said. “She’s our smartest X’s and O’s player we have, and she can see things. And so, good things happen when we play through her and the ball is in her hands.”

Thomas’s success is also a fortuitous meeting of player skill and a larger basketball moment. She played well as a rookie for the Sun in 2014 under her then-coach Anne Donovan, but Donovan plugged her into a more traditional power forward role. Only after Miller took the helm in 2016 did an offense tailored to Thomas’s facilitating skill set begin to take shape.

There’s just one outcome to expect — success — when Thomas collects the ball, as she often does, off the defensive glass, and smoothly rumbles up the court as a facilitator. But good things can also happen out of an array of outlet passes, most remarkably, the 70-foot bounce pass she has used since her high school days. No one taught her to throw those. No coach would, Frese said.

“She definitely had that mastered before coming to Maryland,” Frese said. “When I see a player that is that powerful you definitely want them to have the green light to play to their strengths. I am fortunate that I have been able to coach only a few players that do possess those talents, but it’s not something I would teach as it takes a special gift to be able to do so.”

Those gifts came in part from an upbringing by two collegiate basketball-playing parents, Tina Klotzbeecher-Thomas and Bobby Thomas, both of whom played at Division II Millersville. But Thomas said she was undersized for much of her childhood, and so her parents pushed her to acquire guard skills, just in case the expected growth spurt for the progeny of a 6-foot-4 father and 5-foot-10 mother never came to pass.

Fortunately for Maryland, and now the Sun, she grew. And the net result is a rebounder who managed to grab 13 boards on a Thursday night the Sparks totaled just 24, and 15 fast-break points for a team that operates in transition more, per Synergy, than any W.N.B.A. team other than the Las Vegas Aces.

Her bravado may not be as pronounced as that of her teammate Williams, her skills as easily recognized as those of the 6-foot-6 center Jones. But the inevitability of Thomas’s success has never been clearer.

“I don’t care who’s in front of me, how tall you are, I will find a way,” Thomas said. “And if you block my shot, I’m coming right back at you.”

Sahred From Source link Sports

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