Thomas Finishes Rio Mesa Career by Sparking Solid Playoff Run

Eric Thomas is not the type to leave a job unfinished. Loose ends bother the meticulous Rio Mesa High senior.

So it should be no surprise that he would lead the Spartans to two victories last week in the Southern Section 4-A Division playoffs, despite the fact that Rio Mesa had a regular-season record of only 12-13.

Thomas, a four-year starter who will attend New Mexico, figured that getting short-changed in the playoffs would be no way to end a long career.

“I’m disappointed that we haven’t done more in the playoffs since I’ve been here,” he said last week before the postseason began.

Last season, a more talented Rio Mesa team advanced to the quarterfinals.

In a 56-46 first-round victory over Righetti last week, Thomas scored only 10 points. But he had 24 points and 12 rebounds in a 67-57 second-round victory over Crescenta Valley on Friday.

Rio Mesa was eliminated by Burroughs, 68-48, Tuesday despite a game-high 15 points by Thomas.

Now, he can leave Rio Mesa knowing the level of play he established in 1986 was sustained through his last game.