Coming off another strong season, Maize South junior Jaela Thompson has solidified herself as one of the top guards in Class 5A — and one of the main reasons the Mavericks are considered among the best teams in Kansas. The smooth guard averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 3.9 steals per game last year while breaking multiple school records in assists and steals.
Thompson’s game is built around her elite vision and playmaking ability. “I have high-level court vision and can find my teammates at all times,” Thompson said. “I am a playmaker; if I’m not scoring, I’m getting someone
else open to score, whether that’s a drive and kick or setting screens for them.”
Maize South head coach Ben Hamilton said Thompson’s athleticism and personality make her a rare talent.
“(Jaela) is a special athlete,” Hamilton said. “She just finished her high school volleyball season with a 5A third-place finish. In addition, she runs track for us. She is a fun-loving kid who loves to have fun and laugh.”
Now stepping into an upperclassman role, Thompson’s focus has moved more toward leadership and setting the tone for a team with championship goals.
“My personal goals are stepping into the upperclassmen role and leading by example to show the younger girls what it’s like to be a good teammate and how to play for something bigger than yourself,” Thompson said. “Our goal as a team is to win a lot of games and make it back to the state tournament and hopefully make a run there.”
