Thomas has been dominant in every viewing since the Lady Indian’s Area Championship last week. The title game was no different. She scored 8 in the first quarter and had 13 at the break. Was too strong, with quick and soft hands around the rim. For once she wasn’t dialed in from three, but that didn’t matter. She kept punishing the Lady Hornets around the rim.

The difference during El Reno’s playoff run continue to be the determination of Thomas and her fellow senior Bugaj. They’ve been forged in the fires of last year’s title run, and battled tested through some up and downs this year. Now the Missouri Southern signee has been nearly unstoppable down the stretch.

There’s seems to always be a momentum shifting three. Then Thomas will throw a picture perfect lead pass to a cutting teammate. Throw her the rock on the block, and it might as well be an automatic two. Finished with a 14 point, 9 rebound, 3 assist state line. Sets up a Thursday semifinal, that is also a rematch of last year’s semifinal, against Coweta.

She’s skilled. She’s tough. She’s motivated. And perhaps most importantly, she’s a winner.

The second game changer for El Reno on Tuesday night was Thomas, who started the game very strongly. She’s such a weapon out of the high post and even to the three point line. Play off her, and she’ll drain threes. Also a point forward type player, with the way she’ll drop dimes to cutting teammates. El Reno built an early lead and it was all through Thomas. She was impactful throughout the night. Including hitting a clutch pair of free throws in the final minute. And battling around the rim. With Thomas and Bugaj, the Indians won’t be an easy out next week.

I was able to see Lilly play in person at El Reno against Noble a couple weeks ago. Just such good touch around the rim, has always run the floor well. She has impressed me since her freshman year at Calumet, but she just plays with such poise and confidence as a Senior. Noble game was a big night for Lilly as she was recognized for scoring her 1,000th career point, and also made her collegiate decision. Lilly will be playing at Missouri Southern State University. The defending champions at El Reno are 10-0 currently, and were virtually untested until a 5 point win over Choctaw. Going to be hard for anyone to dethrone them.

A power forward that can bang inside with the best showcasing a wide display of moves yet passing like a skill guard from the high post. Lilly showed great versatility this weekend. High shooting percentage in the pain aera with nice smooth footwork. Impressive is her passing skills. Any coaches looking to see what a passing post looks like in a Princeton set offense check her out.

Another state champion on this list, Thomas is a skilled forward who is perfect for modern basketball. From stretching the floor as a shooter, to being a creative hub and decision maker in the halfcourt and even putting it on the floor a bit, she can do it all on the offensive end. While there’s finesse to her game, she’s unafraid to mix it up around the rim as a tough rebounder and finisher. After helping El Reno to an undefeated Class 5A State Championship, she’s a very popular recruit for regional D2 programs. Who understand the versatile value she brings to the court.

Lilly is a very skilled player for a power forward. Several things that stood out when watching her in the low post. One is she did the work early meaning she did not have to do much just catch and finish. Second she used a step out in the low allowing her to face the defender to use her quickness and size to attack the rim. Great vision in the post like a guard hitting cutters on the backside for easy luaus. What makes her such an offense threat is her ability to knock down the outside 3. The shot is smooth and fluent like a shooting guard.

Lilly is ranked at #20 in her class. She has drawn interest and receiving offers from all levels. I will be following her to see where she will continue after high school