Jt Thornton Jt Thornton 6'4" | SF Burnsville | 2023 State MN got off to a strong start, and his play on both ends had 6 seeded Burnsville in it until the end against Jefferson. Within the first few minutes JT had 7 points and 3 steals, as his combination of length and speed was dangerous within Burnsville’s zone defense. He was very active shifting off the ball and had success jumping passing lanes. High energy player who on one occasion missed a lay-up, and then chased the ball back down from behind to pick up a steal, and immediately got back to the rim for a finish. Jumper wasn’t falling in the first half, but he showed the ability to be a special shot creator as you rarely find 6’4 players as shifty as JT. In the second half he showed that shot making ability with some mid-range makes. Threw down two dunks as well on his way to 19 points.

JT’s game is so fun to watch and he brings so much to the table with his elite athleticism. He impressed me most with his ball handling and plays at the basket. He attacks the paint with no fear and is not scared to draw contact or finish over defenders. The senior guard had some really crafty finishes, hanging up in the air and adjusting the angles he laid the ball up to avoid getting blocked. Thornton was able to use a combination of his handles and speed to get past defenders all game. He also threw down a pair of fast break dunks making it look easy. With the addition of JT to the lineup this season, Burnsville already has more wins than they did all of last year.

When Burnsville’s offense started to stall in the second half, JT was the one keeping them in the game with some clutch buckets. He changes speeds incredibly well at 6’4, with a hesitation into a crossover that can leave his defender in his dust. So good at getting to the rim and finishing in a variety of ways, but also showed he can stretch the floor as he knocked down two clutch 3’s in the second half. Explosive athlete who came out of nowhere for an impressive put-back dunk early in the game.