TRION, Ga. – In a way, Isaac Thomas had little choice when it came to being competitive. The youngest of four boys raised by basketball-playing parents, the Trion High School senior had to either compete or forever be the runt of the litter.
Now an imposing 6-foot-6 with long arms and above-average athletic ability, the youngest Thomas has more than held his own. Playing for his father, Lanny Thomas, Isaac soon will wrap up one of the most noteworthy careers in the long history of the Bulldogs, and a large part of his success, according to his coach/father, can be summed up in one word.
“He’s driven,” Coach Thomas said. “He wants to be the best he can be on the court, and he has a huge desire to win. I’ve coached a long time, and what you obviously notice about Isaac first is his size and athleticism, but when you add the drive you get something special.”
Isaac has helped lead the Bulldogs to a 17-2 start and a No. 3 ranking in the GHSA Class A public school rating system with averages of 14.4 points and an area-best 13.2 rebounds. He recently surpassed 500 career rebounds and will end his career as the school’s all-time leading rebounder.
What sets him apart on the field is his all-around game. Having started his prep career as a point guard, Thomas can both create his own shot and help set up others. He’s even used often as the team’s press-breaker.