HS HOOPS: Renaissance Academy's Thomas gets leg up in regional win
By Gerry Gittelson
Staff Writer
Hobbled by a recurring knee injury, Josh Thomas was nearly kept out of Renaissance Academy of La Canada’s Southern California Regional basketball championship against Price of Los Angeles on Saturday at Mater Dei High.
Renaissance Academy coach Sid Cooke was leaning toward not playing him until Thomas’ grandmother called, pleading not to sit him with a state-championship berth on the line.
“His grandmother is a minister, and she said she believed Thomas would play and do well, and I couldn’t argue with that,” Cooke said. “What an awesome moment for Josh.”
Thomas was wobbly for most of the game, making just 2 of his first 13 shots with 38 seconds remaining and his team down by one point when he found himself with the basketball near the left corner.
With no time to wonder about the what-ifs, Thomas swished an 18-footer to put Renaissance Academy ahead for good in a 55-52 victory to give the building program its biggest win in school history.
“I had to shoot it. It was a big shot,” Thomas said. “My knee was hurting, but right now I’m so excited I can’t feel a thing.”
Justin Cook, who led Renaissance Academy with 20 points, had total faith in Thomas.
“I knew he would nail it. I knew it was going in,” Cook said. “Josh has actually hurt both knees this season, but he’s tough. I’m glad he played today because he is a big part of our team offensively and defensively.”
Renaissance Academy faces Lick-Wilmerding or Brandon in the CIF State Div. V championship at 11:15 a.m. Saturday at Arco Arena in Sacramento.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com