Shady Side Academy’s Karis Thomas looks back on scoring achievement

By:

Antonio Rossetti


Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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As she prepared for what she anticipated to be just another matchup, Shady Side Academy junior Karis Thomas was on the verge of reaching a significant milestone—1,000 career points.

Leading the Bulldogs’ girls basketball team in a fiercely competitive game against Berlin Brothersvalley, Thomas achieved this remarkable milestone, making history in her third year playing high school basketball.

Unbeknownst to her, her teammates and coaches had chosen to keep her impending achievement a secret to witness her genuine reaction.

“She was truly shocked when it happened,” coach Jonna Burke mentioned. “She had no idea how close she was. It was heartwarming to see her face light up with pure relief and joy surrounded by her teammates. The girls adore her, and she reciprocates that affection. It was a wonderful moment for a truly deserving individual.”

Last season, Thomas averaged 16.1 points per game and expressed her gratitude in celebrating this milestone with her teammates and coaches.

“I truly feel blessed to have such supportive teammates and coaching staff,” stated Thomas, who led with a game-high 26 points. “In that moment, I was just really grateful to share this experience with my teammates and my coaches.”

Initially confused by the laughter of her teammates, she soon realized the reason for their excitement was the milestone.

“They were really happy for me, just expressing how proud they were,” Thomas shared. “It got me a bit emotional, to be honest, but it was just a great moment.”

After the game, her teammates celebrated her achievement by treating her to a bacon cheeseburger with chips and a birthday cake milkshake at Burgatory.

“She’s very approachable. She’s someone they can always confide in or sit with during lunch if they need company,” said Burke. “She’s simply that person. Kindhearted and undoubtedly a leader by example.”

On the court, Burke emphasized that Thomas’s skills speak for themselves and elevate the entire team.

“Her most valuable trait is her ability to uplift everyone around her,” Burke remarked about Thomas, who is averaging 25.7 points after three games. “I’ve coached for a long time and witnessed many talented players, but her unique ability to control the game as a point guard truly enhances the performance of her teammates. She definitely makes me look good.”

Burke also noted that Thomas is recognized for her positive demeanor and emotional stability.

“I’m immensely appreciative of Coach Burke,” Thomas expressed. “She’s like a second parent to me. She genuinely cares about us. She’ll reach out late at night or early in the morning, it doesn’t matter. Having a coach like Coach Burke is a blessing.”

Thomas also acknowledged her grandparents, John and Connie Thomas, for their unwavering support.

“Since both of my parents passed away, they have assumed full responsibility for my sister and me,” Thomas recalled. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have them guiding me and taking me to practices and games.”

Thomas suffered the loss of her mother, Ciarra, to breast cancer in 2018, and her father, Randy, to pancreatic cancer in 2021.

She appreciates the support from her older sister, Randi, who attends college in San Antonio, Texas.

“I’m extremely grateful for her because she has always been there for me, especially after our parents’ passing,” Thomas noted. “She often takes on a motherly role, always checking in on me to ensure I’m doing well.”

Thomas embodies traits from both her parents. She has an interest in nursing, which is a family tradition on her mother’s side, as well as an interest in sports marketing, rooted in her experiences watching basketball and bonding with her father.

“My dad was a huge fan of LeBron James, and I’ve been following LeBron since his Miami days,” Thomas recounted. “We would watch every game together, so LeBron is a significant source of inspiration for me. His work ethic and leadership on the court is incredible to observe.”

Similar to James, Thomas has emerged as a leader for her squad. Burke expressed pride in Thomas’s growth into a role model for her teammates.

“She’s gentle, humble, and unassuming,” Burke stated. “She doesn’t seek the spotlight, unlike many kids these days, and she truly deserves all the success coming her way. She represents the heart and spirit of our team. For her to achieve this milestone at this stage of her career is incredibly exciting, as it paves the way for her to become Shady Side Academy’s all-time leading scorer.”

Shady Side Academy made history last season by winning its first WPIAL title, and Thomas attributes their strong chemistry as the key to their success.

“Our bond is incredibly strong, and no one can break it,” Thomas reflected. “We genuinely feel like family, and that unity travels with us wherever we play. We are accountable to one another and strive to support each other at all times.”

Burke noted that Thomas’s leadership will continue to flourish.

“I’m excited for the next year and a half to coach her,” Burke noted. “I’m truly fortunate to have this opportunity and witness all she has accomplished. There’s still so much more ahead for her.”

Thomas is eager to keep progressing while leading the Class 3A No. 1-ranked Bulldogs, who have started their season with three consecutive victories against Belle Vernon, Berlin Brothersvalley, and Baldwin.

“I aim to improve by 1% each day and continue enjoying the game,” Thomas stated. “Basketball has brought me so many blessings and opportunities since I was young. It has allowed me to connect with various players and coaches. I’m determined to keep having fun.”

Tags: Shady Side Academy