Recruiting Report: David Thornton (2016)
(Photo credit: Courtney Oakes, Aurora Sentinel) David Thornton entered his senior season at Cherokee Trail with plenty to prove. He wanted to prove that he could do more than post up. He wanted to prove he could lead his team…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading(Photo credit: Courtney Oakes, Aurora Sentinel)
David Thornton entered his senior season at Cherokee Trail with plenty to prove.
He wanted to prove that he could do more than post up. He wanted to prove he could lead his team while matching up against the state’s best. He wanted to show he had what it takes to expand his game to the next level.
Check. Check. And check.
Thornton, a 6-5 unsigned forward, just completed a season to remember for the Cougars, averaging 19.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, leading his team to the 5A quarterfinals while also earning a spot on the Prep Hoops Colorado All-Senior First Team.
“The most exciting part was playing in big games against big teams in those big moments this season,” Thornton said.
Thornton made himself a key figure in those big moments by dramatically improving his game. He went from largely a post-up player to one who could cause damage from nearly anywhere on the court. He refined his mid-range jumper, he developed a quick first step to allow him to take his defender out on the perimeter and then burst past them. He did it all without sacrificing the athleticism and toughness that still allowed him to dominate inside when he needed to.
“That’s been the thing for me, trying to develop a lot of my guard skills,” Thornton said. “I know I’m not going to be 6-9 or 6-10, so I have to be able to handle the ball, shoot it and do those things. That’s a big factor for me.”
Thornton’s ability to improve vastly in those areas has helped him garner college attention. He has received an offer from Western Wyoming Community College and has recently been in contact with the University of South Dakota, out of the Division I Summit League.
“It’s been pretty straightforward with them,” said Thornton, adding that the communication with the school began a little earlier this season. “They asked me about my season, about my play and asked for my transcripts.”
Thornton is hopeful he will gain some spring attention as programs continue to look for late additions to their rosters. For now, Thornton is staying in shape competing for the Cherokee Trail track and field team while also working out on his own.
“I’ll definitely be staying in shape,” Thornton said. “And I’ll continue to work on my game.”
He’s certainly already proven a willingness to do that.