Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

Central Private senior Liam Thomas is the Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week.

The 6'10" center averaged 20 points, 16 rebounds and 8 blocked shots in three wins for the Class AA top ranked Rebels.

Thomas recorded two triple-doubles in district wins over Oak Forest and Centreville.

Against Oak Forest Thomas scored 20 points, pulled down 24 rebounds and had 10 blocked shots and scored 17 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and had 10 blocked shots against Centreville.

In a 59-43 district win over third ranked Bowling Green Thomas scored 23 points along with 13 rebounds, 6 blocked shots and 5 steals.

"I've enjoyed coaching Liam, the kid has an extremely bright future," said Central Private head coach Henry Gantz. "He has grown almost an inch this season and I still think he's still growing. I hope he gets to 7'0 tall because he would be an even bigger recruit for colleges. He does so many things right that its hard to say what his biggest strengths are. Friday night he had 24 rebounds and those numbers have become routine. He has had several triple-doubles this year, before halftime. Liam has also created open shots for Anderson and Cohen that neither one of those shooters have ever experienced. Liam is also a great teammate, student, and he has been a great addition to the diverse student body at Central Private. He is a great person and I'm glad he is a part of our program and I am excited about watching him in the playoffs and in college."

On the season the Central Private senior is ever so close to averaging a triple-double each game. Thomas is averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds and 9 blocked shots a game for the 18-3 Rebels. The center has recorded 166 blocked shots and is shooting 63% from the field.

Central Private handed defending Overall Champion Jackson Prep their only MAIS loss on the season on January 4th at Prep. In that 78-73 win Thomas came up big again, scoring 15 points and recording 9 blocked shots.