Early Years

Whether on a mini hoop his parents bought for him when he was four, or on Greenhill’s court as a starter on the Varsity Boys Basketball team, freshman Jaxson Thompson has always been playing the sport he loves.

Thompson’s mother played basketball at The University Oregon, and Thompson has long desired to play at the collegiate level as well. Thompson cited his parents, especially his mother, for inspiring his passion for basketball.

His father previously had two months to live after a stage four bladder cancer diagnosis, but after several chemo treatments, his cancer cleared.

“When I go through hard times, basketball would be there to help me,” Thompson said.

Thompson has played for two Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams, RM 5 Elite Basketball and Drive Nation Sports.

Playing on AAU teams and facing national level talent at an early age taught him how to face adversity, he said.

Ever since coming to Greenhill School in sixth grade, Thompson played a big role in his time in middle school on the grade-respective teams.

“[Jaxson] did what he had to do, so everyone followed suit by his actions,” said David Henderson, Head Coach of Middle School Boys Basketball.

Coming Into the New Season

Coming into his freshman year in Fall 2022, Thompson made clear his desire to play basketball at the highest level offered to him.

Thompson increased his training workload throughout the season to maximize his ability.

Attending Greenhill practices six days a week, regular training sessions up to twice a day, and recovery on top of Greenhill’s rigorous academics has been a balancing act.

“He fit in day one and bought into everything we are trying to achieve,” Head Coach of Varsity Boys Basketball Joey Sims said in an email.

Thompson’s energy on the offensive side of the ball has been noticed by his teammates.

“Jaxson provides us with a spark on offense,” said Senior Zac Slotnick.

Thompson is averaging 20.2 points, three rebounds, and two assists per game.

Future Goals

Sims noticed the work Thompson put in during the off-season.

“If he keeps doing what he is doing during the off-season, his game will continue to take off,” said Sims.

Thompson has also suffered setbacks this season. He missed two of four free throws in the clutch in a game versus the Dallas Thunder Homeschool this season, setting up the Thunder for a game winning three-point shot.

Despite early personal successes in the season, the end of season Southwest Preperatory Conference (SPC) basketball tournament is approaching quickly. Thompson aspires to be first team All-SPC and expects the team to compete for the SPC championship.

Another of Thompson’s goals is to become a captain for the team.

Sophomore Bryson Watt says Thompson uplifts the team, and “is respected by all his teammates”.