Senior Caiden Thomason is the primary ball handler on the Amber-Pocasset basketball squad where he’s started all four years. The point guard is surrounded by experience as Thomason is joined by six other seniors including four who are in the starting lineup. This season Thomason averaged seven points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal per game.

“Caiden is a very heady basketball player,” coach Aaron Garrett said. “He does so many things that don’t show up in the stat sheet but are key to helping our team win games. He is an outstanding leader by example. His work ethic is outstanding and that has had a lasting impact on his teammates.”

This season, Thomason was named to the All-Tournament team at the Arapaho-Butler Tournament. The Panthers are currently 18-8 on the season as the No. 10-ranked team in Class 2A. Thomason and the Panthers are looking to make back-to-back appearances in the area tournament this postseason as Am-Po is off to the right start after being crowned as district champions.

“[Thomason] wants to win and be successful as much as any player I’ve ever coached,” Garrett said. “I am very fortunate to have coached Caiden the last six years. He has been a dream to coach and is the ultimate example of a team player.”

Outside of athletics, Thomason studies at the Canadian Valley Technology Center where he is a part of the engineering program. Upon graduation, Thomason will attend Oklahoma State University where he plans to major in engineering.

Thomason credits his dad, Bo, for his success on and off the court.

“My dad is someone who has always pushed me and helped me mature and toughen me up along the way,” Thomason said. “I definitely would not be the person or player I am today without him.”