April 28, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Incoming freshman Alyssa Thomas of Harrisburg, Pa. (Central Dauphin High School), was named to USA Today's 2010 All-USA high school girls basketball third team. The teams were selected by Jim Halley after discussions with analyst Mike Flynn of Blue Star basketball and numerous coaches and sportswriters.

Fifteen individuals were selected for the three teams. Also joining Thomas on the third team are Stefanie Dolson (Connecticut), Jennifer O'Neill (Kentucky) and Samarie Walker (Connecticut).

Thomas finished her senior campaign averaging 24.3 points per game and 12.8 rebounds per contest. Her rebounding average is the second best out of all players listed on the three teams.

This season Thomas led her team to the Pennsylvania state semifinals to cap off a stellar career. She became her school's all-time scoring leader after accumulating 2,291 points. Thomas also amassed 1,390 rebounds, 452 assists and 372 steals.

The six foot forward was a McDonald's All-America nominee and an undisputed selection for ESPN's All-Star list. She was recognized by pennlive.com as one of the best athletes to come out of high school from Pennsylvania in the last decade and is a two-time All-State selection and two-time Big 15 choice.

Thomas led her squad to its second consecutive District title this season and was named the 2010 District 3-AAAA Most Valuable Player after her championship game efforts.

Thomas has played in 32 games, 31 of which she recorded double-figure points. Twenty-six of those games Thomas registered 20 or more points and seven of those Thomas put up 30-plus points. She is averaging a double-double with 24.3 points per game and 12.8 rebounds per contest. Thomas' season high stats include 40 points, 23 rebounds, nine assists, five steals and three blocks.

Arguably one of her best games came in the state quarterfinals against Cheltenham High School. Thomas led her team into the semifinals with a 75-68 win after posting 40 points and pulling down 23 rebounds.

High School Career Statistics:<>
09-10: 777 points, 409 rebounds, 108 assists, 69 steals
08-09: 605 points, 396 rebounds, 117 assists, 83 steals
07-08: 631 points, 360 rebounds, 126 assists, 135 steals
06-07: 278 points, 225 rebounds, 101 assists, 85 steals