The largest senior class in Thunder Mountain High School basketball history was celebrated Saturday prior to their final regular season game against Juneau-Douglas High School. Here, head coach John Blasco shares his thoughts on each member of the senior class. (Region V tournament begins tonight at 8:15 p.m.)
Cale Jenkins (one year on varsity): Cale is the ideal student athlete every coach wants in his program. My only complaint about Cale is that he didn’t join our program until his junior year. Cale is a quality young man who will do anything for his teammates. He studies our opponents and make suggestions to the coaching staff. There are times in practice where he will pull a player aside to work on something that will help make them better.
Chase Saviers (four years on varsity): Chase has committed himself over the last four years to being the best teammate, leader and player he could be. His countless hours in the gym have made him one of the top players in the state. Each day he challenges himself and his teammates to get better. He has been a pleasure to coach over the last four years and I hope the underclassman have taken note on what it takes to succeed. Chase became the 3rd player in TMHS history to reach the 1,000 point club.
Garth Tupou (two years on varsity): I have had the great pleasure of coaching all four Tupou brothers over the last eight years. Garth is an excellent young man loved by all his teammates. His physical strength is challenging for teams to play against. Garth never complains and gives his best in everything he does each day. It is bittersweet to think that the last brother will be a senior next year, but we look forward to what Roy will bring to the team.
John Morris (two years on varsity): The growth John has made from his freshman year to his senior year has been tremendous. He has pushed himself as an athlete each year in multiple sports and has become an important player within our team this season. He does what is asked of him and never complains. He is constantly asking for ways he can improve. John is also a top trap shooter in the state, and I am excited to follow how he does next year shooting at the collegiate level.
Kaiden Ward (one year on varsity): Kaiden has bounced back from breaking his ankle freshman year to making varsity as a senior. Kaiden developed his game over the last few years and earned the opportunity to play with this large senior class. Each day he brings a positive attitude and good energy to the gym.
Mahina Toutaiolepo (three years on varsity): Hearing that Mahina tore his ACL in the final regular season football game was crushing, both to his football team and basketball team. Mahina was a starter for us last season and would have been this season. He brings great toughness to our team and is an intense competitor. Mahina has made the most of the season by being a positive teammate at practice and games. He is loved by all of his teammates and coaches.
Noah Reishus-O’Brien (three years on varsity): After watching Noah hit five 3s in a middle school game, I was excited to hear he was coming to play for TMHS. Noah is a pure shooter that has stepped up this year to become one of our top scorers. His performance this season has put him in the conversation of top seniors around the state. There isn’t a shot he takes that I don’t think is going in. Noah has played a key part in the success that we have had this season.
Riley Olsen (three years on varsity): A guard in a post player’s body. Not many people realize that Riley has been one of the leaders in assists for our team the last couple seasons. Riley has really grown as a young man over the last few years and earned his role as one of our captains. He is a natural athlete who has been a varsity player and has succeed in multiple varsity sports over the last four years.
Zeb Storie (one year on varsity): For what he lacks in physical size, he makes up for with competitive fire and wisdom. After taking a year off from basketball to focus on baseball, Zeb rejoined the team this year. Zeb is a tough young man who competes every day and doesn’t back down from a challenge. When he isn’t playing, he is thinking about the game and working with coaches on adjustments.
