Thunder Mountain High School boys basketball coach John Blasco handed out end-of-season awards, while recognizing the adverse season the players had been through this year.
“First off, we would like to say thank you to Superintendent Bridget Weiss for all her support and guidance she provided us in order for our programs to have a successful season,” Blasco said in an email. “Thank you to the TM administration for the constant communication and flexibility to ensure we got to complete a full season.”
Blasco went on to laud the team’s performance, working with what they had this year.
“We were very thankful to get an almost normal full season that included 17 games and travel to two Southeast communities,” Blasco said. “This year’s team was one of the youngest teams we have ever had. We lost 85% of our offensive production and four of our five starters. This year’s roster featured 4 freshmen, one of which started every game, and there were times during games we had all four on the floor at once, even in the region tournament game.”
Meki Toutaiolepo was selected to 3rd team all-state, Blasco said. Toutaiolepo and Thomas Baxter were also named All-Conference for the Southeast. Toutaiolepo lead the team, scoring just under 14 points per game, with Baxter right after. Oliver Mendoza was third leading scorer, with nearly 11 points per game, Blasco said.
“Meki and Oliver will be missed. They were great teammates and leaders who have given tremendously to our program over the last four years,” Blasco said. “Next year will be the first time in 8 years that we don’t have a Toutaiolepo or Mendoza playing in the program.”
Team awards
Varsity
Best Passer- Wallace Adams
Best Defense- Oliver Mendoza
Most Hustle- Wallace Adams
Best Rebounder- Meki Toutaiolepo
Most Improved- Thomas Baxter
MVP- Meki Toutaiolepo
Coach’s Award- Wallace Adams and Oliver Mendoza
Junior varsity
Best Passer- Lance Nierra
Best Defense- Matthew Johns
Most Hustle- Owen Adams
Best Rebounder- Levi Traxler
Most Improved- Kaden Eppers
MVP- Samuel Lockhart
