In Their Words: Quinton Thompson

I had the opportunity to catch up and sit down with my guy Quinton Thompson, program director for the B.Maze girls division. The Franklin, TN native has been around ball all his life, not only playing the game, but also coaching the game as well. He has had stops at Columbia Central, Blackman High, and even did some work with the MTSU Lady Blue Raiders program. He has been with numerous programs on both the girls and boys side. Now, he heads up an impressive B.Maze program where kids from all over the state come to compete.   Q has had a lot of people pour into his life. Not only is he a teacher of the game, but an advocate and steward of the women's game here in Tennessee. The guy is talented and very passionate for the game.   Check out our discussion and you will be able to feel his passion within his words.   BT: Q, thank you for taking the time to talk with me and give our readers in the state a little insight about you and the B.Maze program. Love what you all are doing as a program and the opportunities you guys are giving young ladies to ball.   Q: B, thanks for having me. The pleasure is all mine. It's a blessing to be speaking with you as well as a huge blessing to be able to coach these kids. I love the game of basketball. I am a basketball junkie. For me to instill the passion and love for the game in these young people. That's what it's all about.   BT: What inspires you to coach?   Q: For one, I would say basketball is a gift from God. The game has such an ability to connect people. I have been blessed to do a lot and see a lot during my time and that's a big thanks to Him as well as the platform the game offers. Coaching is hard and I have learned patients, had great mentors, and just immersed myself in the game, it all comes full circle. So the individuals who helped teach me and coached these young people are the ones who inspired me.   BT: Who has been your biggest inspiration?   Q: I have had a lot of people inspire me. Coaches. Family. If I had to say who pushed me the most, it  was my uncle. He kind of led me on the path to be a better ball player and then when I had to hang up my shoes, he helped get me started in coaching. It's all about giving back and I would say he was the one who did that the most for me.   I would also have to say my school coach Robert Butler at BA. He's so funny. That's my guy. We talk all the time. We bounce stuff off each other still, to this day. He has been a big mentor for me on this journey. I was a part of one of his first teams at BA and we have had a relationship ever since.   BT: If you could describe the B.Maze program to our readers, how would you?   Q: For one, this program is very philanthropic. There are so many components to this program and it is more than basketball. Bobby and his mother, Coco, do a tremendous job running programs and create opportunities for all kids, not just the ones who lace up their shoes. They established an after school program, a single mother placement program, and so many different touch points. This goes far beyond the game of basketball.   When It comes to the game of basketball, we are a UA program on both the girls and the boys side. In Knoxville, we have our own facility.  I believe we are the only travel ball program in the state that has that. We have great coaches, great families, and really we just strive to have an inclusive family atmosphere where kids can grow and learn to compete.   BT: That's awesome. I love to hear about the non-profit component of B.Maze. That's bigger than basketball. The work you guys are doing is truly amazing and I commend you for it.   Q: Appreciate that.   BT: Tell me what your favorite venue to play in this year on the travel ball side.   Q: I have two. The first one is Spooky Nook in Hamilton, OH. It's nice. I mean hands down one of the best places in the country to ball.. Nice courts, eating area, lots of things to do. Really nice. I just love being in that basketball atmosphere. Secondly, the Live @ LakePoint tournament was good. I love LakePoint. Nice facility. Had great competition. Plenty for our teams to do outside the game. Those two places really were top notch in my opinion.   BT: Bringing the facility talk back to Tennessee, what gym is the nicest in your opinion.   Q: Well if I am being biased, I love the comfort of my alma mater Brentwood Academy. I like everyone being on top of you, its a small gym environment which makes the atmosphere live.. But since I really need to go beyond the scope of that, I have two personal favorites. Green Hill, which is in Lebanon, has a really nice gym. Then I would say Martin Luther King Jr. in Nashville. I love the old school feel of being in that gym. Makes you feel a certain type of way.    BT: Haha. That's what's up. Ok. What about the toughest venue/gym in the state?   Q: Hands down, Bradley Central. They get you with that black floor. The fans give a crazy vibe. It's loud. The place is rockin on 10. Great place to compete, but tough as I'll get out.   BT: I love it. Look, it's hard for me to compare tough places. There are so many great communities out there and schools that do a fantastic job of making a phenomenal game day environment.   Q: You're right about that. But Bradley Central, Man.   BT: Interesting. Ok. Here is a tough one. In no particular order, who are the top 3 players in the state regardless of classification?   Q: Well, I will say it like this. There are a lot of tough girls out there. I am going to say these three based off of us playing them this year. I have been around a lot of ball. Seen a lot. These 3 hands down would be the top 3 in my opinion.   [player_tooltip player_id='513228' first='Kimora' last='Fields']- Bradley Central. Super tough   [player_tooltip player_id='821620' first='Lauren' last='Hassell']- Clarksville Christian. All around the best.   [player_tooltip player_id='409019' first='Lauren' last='Hurst']- Cleveland. She may not come out and just start killing it, but once she gets revved up, she can play. Silent assassin, type of kid. She picks her spots out and just goes to work.   BT: Ok. I like where your mind is going. Those truly are three dominating kids. Who are the three top underrated kids in the state in your opinion?   Q: For me, number one has to be [player_tooltip player_id='408996' first='TaTianna' last='Stovall']. She can defend against guards and bigs. She is a tough competitor who can give people fits especially on the defensive end. I also have to say [player_tooltip player_id='889914' first='Malia' last='Wilcox'] from Bradley. She is slept on, but I tell you she is like a little pit bull. She does all the little dirty things most wouldn't do. She plays with a motor and just keeps going no matter what. Lastly, I would have to say [player_tooltip player_id='408995' first='Reese' last='Beaty']. That girl is tough. I know people know her name and know who she is. I just feel like she doesn't get a lot of credit. Granted, she is going to Iowa State, but that girl is super tough and I just feel like people don't really give her props.   BT: Ok. Yeah, all those girls you mentioned are some legit game changers for sure.   Let's move into the next segment. I am going to say a particular skill and you give the name of who is the best in your opinion in the state.   BT: Most competitive in the state?   Q: [player_tooltip player_id='513233' first='Natalya' last='Hodge']- Bearden   BT: Most athletic player in the state?   Q: Dee Williams- Fulton. That kid can grab the rim.   BT: Most selfless player in the state?   Q: [player_tooltip player_id='782176' first='Abi' last='Alexander']- Cannon Co. Always seems to put her teammates first. Great facilitator.   BT: Best Shooter in the state?   Q: There are two. A.C. Shirley from MTCS. Has range in her game. [player_tooltip player_id='509171' first='Tiara' last='Spencer'] from Lebanon. Has a quick trigger.   BT: Best penetrator in the state?   Q: Again, there are two. [player_tooltip player_id='506223' first='Madyson' last='Elliott'] from East Nashville and [player_tooltip player_id='631091' first='Amaya' last='Redd'] from Knoxville Catholic. They attack those gaps so quickly.   BT: Who has the best court vision in the state?   Q: Hands down it's Lazavionna Hawkins from Goodpasture.   BT: Best defender?   Q: Dee Williams from Fulton.   BT: Best rebounder?   Q: [player_tooltip player_id='408996' first='TaTianna' last='Stovall'] from Bradley Central   BT: Ok. You said some pretty talented people right there.   Q: Yes sir, got to give credit where credit is due.   BT: What would you say about some of the toughest Tennessee travel ball organizations?   Q: First off, there are a lot of really good travel ball organizations in the state of Tennessee. I haven't played all of them or seen them all, but I know this state is filled with some good places/organizations for girls to play with. If I had to name two toughest, I would say [program_tooltip program_id='713296' first='Team' last='Brandan Wright'] and [program_tooltip program_id='713616' first='Tennessee' last='Flight']. I have played both of those teams and they can give people fits.   BT: Other than your program, who is the toughest organization you have seen nationally?   Q: All Iowa Attack 17U and FBC United Family 17U. Man both of them are legit.   BT: Q, man thank you for your time. I appreciate all that you, Bobby, and your fellow coaches are doing to help propel our Tennessee kids to the next level. I know it's hard work but I commend you for all that you do.   Q: Yes sir. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and everything you all do at PGH Tennessee. Nothing but love for you guys.

I had the opportunity to catch up and sit down with my guy Quinton Thompson, program director for the B.Maze girls division. The Franklin, TN native has been around ball all his life, not only playing the game, but also coaching the game as well. He has had stops at Columbia Central, Blackman High, and even did some work with the MTSU Lady Blue Raiders program. He has been with numerous programs on both the girls and boys side. Now, he heads up an impressive B.Maze program where kids from all over the state come to compete. Q has had a lot of people pour into his life. Not only is he a teacher of the game, but an advocate and steward of the women's game here in Tennessee. The guy is talented and very passionate for the game.