Thomas battled foul trouble in the first half and, at times, looked out of rhythm trying to navigate Chaminade’s defensive intensity. But as high-level players often do, he adjusted.

In the second half, Thomas flipped the switch. He leaned into his size and physicality when attacking from the perimeter, playing through contact and using his shoulders to create separation off the bounce. Time and again, he was able to bump defenders off their spots and carve out space.

His ability to get to his left hand proved especially effective, consistently putting Chaminade’s on-ball defenders in tough positions and allowing him to exploit angles. Thomas also delivered timely baskets during De Smet’s second-half surge, helping fuel the comeback effort.

Thomas battled foul trouble in the first half and, at times, looked out of rhythm trying to navigate Chaminade’s defensive intensity. But as high-level players often do, he adjusted.

In the second half, Thomas flipped the switch. He leaned into his size and physicality when attacking from the perimeter, playing through contact and using his shoulders to create separation off the bounce. Time and again, he was able to bump defenders off their spots and carve out space.

His ability to get to his left hand proved especially effective, consistently putting Chaminade’s on-ball defenders in tough positions and allowing him to exploit angles. Thomas also delivered timely baskets during De Smet’s second-half surge, helping fuel the comeback effort.