Scott ThomasSchool: Brethren ChristianSport: BasketballPosition: ForwardClass: SeniorRichard...

Scott Thomas

School: Brethren Christian

Sport: Basketball

Position: Forward

Class: Senior

Richard Thomas, coach of the Brethren Christian basketball team, is living what many fathers would consider a dream: coaching a son who is a standout athlete. And his son, Scott, is helping the dream continue. Scott averaged 14.6 points to lead the Warriors to three victories and into their first State title game. “The whole week has been glorious,” Richard Thomas said. Scott Thomas had 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a 47-46 overtime victory over Palos Verdes Chadwick in the Southern California Division V title game Saturday. He scored 17 in a 48-43 overtime victory Thursday over Fontana Ambassador Christian. Thomas, whose shot with 13 seconds left in overtime March 5 gave the Warriors a victory over Chadwick and their first Southern Section title, made another late shot against Ambassador Christian. With about a minute left in overtime, he posted up, made a short shot and was fouled. His free throw gave Brethren a 44-42 victory, a lead it never relinquished.

Other top performers:

Derek Beard, who was named the Division II most valuable player of the Orange County volleyball championships after helping Whittier Christian to a three-game victory over Foothill in the title match.

Paul Nihipali, who was named the Division I most valuable player of the Orange County volleyball championships after leading Esperanza to the title. He had 20 kills in the title match, a 16-14, 15-10 victory over Laguna Beach.

Gary Young, a Woodbridge runner who won the 100 and 200 meters in 11.1 seconds and 22.3 seconds and anchored the winning 1,600-meter relay team at the Irvine Invitational. Young, who was named the meet’s outstanding male athlete, led Woodbridge to the team title.