This year, Katey Thompson certainly fits the bill.
The junior middle blocker, this year’s Dream Team Player of the Year, was a big reason for the Sailors reaching the CIF Southern Section Division I-AA quarterfinals and for finishing second place in the tough Sunset League. This weekend, she’s sporting high-top sneakers and trying to put the basketball in the hoop at a tournament in Palm Desert. She’s one of the top scorers for the Newport Harbor girls’ basketball team.
During the fall, Thompson was the Sailors’ threat in the middle on her way to earning first-team All-Sunset League honors. Thompson, who recorded 147 kills, proved to be a bright spot when it mattered most.
Glenn respects multi-sport athletes, but he definitely doesn’t disregard those who possess competitive fire and want the ball in critical situations.
“I just think she always played well in big matches,” Glenn said of Thompson. “The bigger the match, the better she played.”
Glenn is hoping she’ll do the same next year, though he also wants her to improve on her blocking, he said. Basketball just might help in that department.
The rest of the Daily Pilot Dream Team follows:
MADIE SMITH
Corona del Mar, Jr.
Smith has earned her second straight honor as part of the Daily Pilot Dream Team. She was known as one of the top setters in the county, helping lead the Sea Kings to their third straight Pacific Coast League championship. Last year’s PCL Player of the Year earned first-team all-league honors this season with a team-best 938 assists.
She also had 307 digs, 667 kills and 19 aces, as she helped guide Corona del Mar to the title match of the CIF Southern Section Division II-AA playoffs and to the regional final of the CIF state tournament.
ANNIE TOMASEK
Estancia, Sr.
