A lot has changed for Calico this season, as several major contributors graduated last season. Thorton is one of the only returning starters and is being asked to do even more for the Pirates this season. A strong athletic guard, his bread and butter is getting downhill and finishing through contact. This year, he’s taken more of a liking to the mid-range game than he has in previous seasons. It’s almost 50/50 on the drive if he’ll pull up for the mid-range or attack the basket. On top of being a great on-ball defender, Thornton has all the intangibles a coach wants in a point guard, especially if the three-point game can continue to progress. Eli has a chance to average big numbers this season, proving he can lead a team.