Get to know Zennia Thomas, Kentucky WBB's latest addition
Just when you thought Kentucky’s freshmen class was set, head coach Kyra Elzy adds another. Zennia Thomas will be a Wildcat this fall.
On Friday morning, Thomas announced her decision.
In her senior season at Warrensville Heights, Thomas averaged 30.1 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. Thomas is the only Ohio men’s or women’s high schooler to average 30 points per contest this season. The 6-foot-2 star is a versatile player, able to shoot it from deep while holding her own down low.
Thomas’ late commitment isn’t due to indecision. The forward wasn’t on any programs’ radar until this past year. As a junior, Thomas averaged just four points per game. Within months, countless programs were on the hunt for Thomas. Kentucky beat out Arizona State, Purdue, Ohio and Murray State to bring Thomas home.
Zennia Thomas’ path to success
Thomas’ sudden rise to stardom wasn’t an accident. In an article written by SBLive’s Ryan Isley, Warrenville Heights’ head coach Ourtney Bryant discussed Thomas’ work ethic.
“A lot of people think I am this great coach, but I’m not,” Bryant said. “I’m a great trainer, I’m a great motivator, but I can’t put the ball in the basket. It’s about getting her to believe in herself. It’s her 5 a.m. strength and conditioning workouts, her putting the extra work in after practice.”
If you’re still questioning Thomas’ toughness, look at Warrenville Heights’ season. On opening night, Thomas’ team fell to Columbus Bishop Hartley. How did Thomas respond? She led her team to 22-straight wins.
Elzy is thrilled to have Thomas.
“We are very excited to welcome Zennia to Big Blue Nation,” Elzy said in a press release. “Z has gone under the radar nationally, but we absolutely love her game. She is athletic and long. Z is a versatile post that has a great feel for the game. The numbers she averaged her senior season are impressive and are a credit to her hard work and dedication to her game. She is a great addition to our program.”
Thomas will fill the gaping hole left by the exit of versatile ‘Cats such as Rhyne Howard, Dre’una Edwards, Jazmine Massengill, and Treasure Hunt. While Thomas has a tall task in front of her, she obviously isn’t scared of a challenge.
Welcome to the Big Blue Nation, Zennia.
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