Phil Campbell graduate Katie Thomas signed a basketball scholarship with Blue Mountain College in Mississippi June 13.

Thomas, who could play inside and outside for the Bobcats, will be primarily used as a shooting guard for the Toppers.

“It is such a big honor to get this opportunity,” said Thomas. “For a long time I didn’t think I would get this chance. I had some opportunities in softball, but basketball is my first love. It is what my dad and I have grown up doing together, and I’m so thankful I can keep playing and get my education.”

Thomas’ father is Craig Thomas, the Phil Campbell girls basketball coach. He can see, with a coach’s eye, exactly what his daughter will bring to the Blue Mountain team.

“Katie can really help them defensively,” said Thomas. “She can play a guard or a post, but she is a good enough three–point shooter that she can make defenders spread the floor.”

Tracy Rice, the Toppers’ second–year coach, echoed that evaluation.

“She tried out for us a few weeks ago with our players and shot the ball really well,” said Rice. “She can defend and rebound and is a really hard worker. We feel like she can do a lot of things for us that will help.”

Thomas said she plans to major in elementary education.