By Blake Chadwick
Cheney High School junior Quaid Thomas enters the 2025-26 season as one of the best basketball players in the state — and he’s ready to prove why. A three-star recruit according to Rivals, Thomas has the rare combination of athleticism, versatility, and leadership that every coach dreams of building around.
Playing primarily at the three or four, Thomas’s game is built on being able to do everything on the court.
“My biggest strengths are my athleticism and skill set, “ Thomas said. “ I just know how to play all five positions if we need it. That flexibility helped him average 15 points and 6 rebounds per game last season while shooting an impressive 60.2 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from the three.
Thomas, who has been playing basketball since the second grade, knows that after finishing 22-2 last year wasn’t good enough for him.
“My personal goal this year is to be first team all-state and my team goal is to have an undefeated season and win state,” Thomas said.
With several colleges already showing interest, he’s focused on taking his game to another level — but his attention to leadership and team culture stands out just as much as his stats.
“The type of leader I’m going to be this season is making sure everyone shows up and gives 100 percent effort at all times,” Thomas said. “We can’t go through the motions, and I was always told by a great coach that the best teams are player-led.”
