I would like to send out special congratulations to my friend Preston Thomas on his recent induction to the Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. This is a well-deserved honor for a tremendous man who has meant so much to so many young people in St. Louis.
A former head basketball coach at Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Thomas was officially inducted at the state’s Hall of Fame weekend in Springfield.
Thomas spent nearly 20 years as the head coach at Cardinal Ritter, where he enjoyed tremendous success. He guided the Lions to Missouri Class 2A state championships in 1990, 1995 and 1996. During his tenure, he helped develop the talents of such top players as Julian Winfield, Andrew “Smokey” Evans, Jahidi White, Chris Carrawell and Loren Woods.
Not only was Thomas a very successful basketball coach, his impact on the lives of young men was felt well beyond the basketball court. Not only was he a coach, but he was a counselor, teacher, mentor and friend. I had the opportunity to spend many hours in his office over the years and watched how he interacted with young people. Thomas had such as positive influence on the young people who he dealt with on an everyday basis.
To be able to be in Springfield last weekend and deliver his induction speech was truly a blessing for Thomas because he had experienced some serious health issues a few years back that had us all worried sick. Not only has he recovered, but he is also back at Cardinal Ritter doing what he loves, teaching basketball.
When future Hall of Famer Randy Reed was hired as Cardinal Ritter’s new coach two years ago, one of the first things he did was call on Thomas to bring him back as an assistant to work with the program’s young players.
So, once again, congratulations, Preston, on the wonderful honor. You are a Hall of Fame basketball coach and a Hall of Fame human being as well.
Show-Me Lauryn
Kirkwood High girls basketball star Lauryn Miller earned the Ms. Show-Me Basketball award last weekend in Springfield. The 6’2” Miller concluded a stellar four-year career by leading the Pioneers to the Class 5 state championship, the first in the school’s history in girls’ basketball. Miller was a dominant force throughout her career as she also played in the USA Basketball program two years ago. She will continue her career at UCLA next season.
Peanut and Irons honored
Congratulations also go out Vashon’s Daniel “Peanut” Farris and head coach Tony Irons on their special recognition in Springfield. Farris was the Class 4 Player of the Year and Irons was the Class 4 Coach of the Year after the Wolverines won their second consecutive state championship in March.
Intentional letters
Several top area basketball players signed letters of intent last week. MICDS standout guard Alec Spence signed with Rice University. The 6’5” Spence was the Metro League Player of the Year after leading the Rams to a 19-9 record and a conference title. Guard Cam Potts of Webster Groves signed with Drury University in Springfield, Mo. The 6’1” Potts was a key component to the Statesmen’s run to the Class 5 state championship. Guard Steve Webb of Westminster Christian has signed with UMSL. The 6’2” Webb averaged 20 points a game in his senior year for the Wildcats. Guard Destan Williams of Pattonville signed with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). The 5’9” Williams led the Pirates to their first district championship in more than 30 years.
