5A: Thurston Colts – 2025-26 Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the high school season approaches, rosters are being released and I'm going to be previewing each team from the 6A and 5A levels. I'll go over each team's key players going into this coming season, list the returners/newcomers, and key departures. Here is the preview of the Thurston Colts (5A) of the Midwestern League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach: Blaine Liberatore (11th Season at Thurston, 141-103 Record)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Season's Record: 23-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2744978"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6927fd87f0913"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lucas LaBounty had a breakout 2024–25 season, leading Thurston in scoring and helping the Colts return to the 5A state tournament. The 6'4" combo guard built further momentum on the Under Armour circuit with Elite 24, showcasing his scoring and expanding his role as a primary ball-handler. This summer, he's focused on creating off the dribble and handling pressure as he transitions more toward point guard duties. LaBounty has begun drawing D-II and D-III interest from programs and already has offers from Evergreen State &amp; Southern Oregon. (JT)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2460163"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6927fd87f09b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most complete all-around players at the event, Hill showcased his versatility and high basketball IQ. He can handle the ball, shoot the three, rebound, set screens, and finish above the rim. Defensively, he plays the passing lanes, runs in transition, and closes out hard on shooters. (AG)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logan Piquette (Class of 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Returners</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rylan Sharp (Class of 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2766279' first='Leofatu' last='Filipe'] (Class of 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Newcomers</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brady Corgain (Class of 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Luke Blair (Class of 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brody Baker (Class of 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ridge Lindsay (Class of 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malachi Perez (Class of 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quintin Fisher (Class of 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Departures</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nate Stiffler (Graduated)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additional Contribution by Jed Tai</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->