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(KB - 03/27/06) Comets Red forward
Sthefany Thomas has been invited to play for the 2006 Argentinean
National Team. Sthefany, who holds dual U.S. and Argentinean
citizenship, will travel to Argentina for tryouts in late June and
return to the United States ten days later for world class
competition against other national players in Colorado Springs.
Depending on the results of that competition, Sthefany may compete
at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Sthefany
originally piqued the interest of Argentinean basketball scouts
during a family visit to Argentina two years ago. She was too
young at age 14 to be considered, but the scouts kept her in mind
and floated an invitation to the (now) 16 year old this year.
Sthefany happily accepted.
The
time away from her AAU team will only cause Sthefany to miss the
Comets commitment to the Augusta Roundball Classic the weekend of
June 23-25. Comets fans that wondered whether Sthefany would miss
AAU Nationals can put their minds at ease. Sthefany will compete
for the home team, too..
Sthefany
first came to the Comets in 2004 by way of the Orlando Lightning.
Before then, she played for the Clearwater Heatwave, who were the
Comets' primary age group rivals in Florida. The Lightning and
Heatwave merged and attended 2003 AAU Nationals together; Sthefany
was right there.
After
the 2003 AAU season the Lightning/Heatwave merger disintegrated
and several Lightning players joined the Comets. Sthefany was the
only Heatwave player to join the Comets. Sthefany travels 160
miles, roundtrip, twice a week, to practice with the Comets Red
team.
Since
then Sthefany has blossomed. She worked her way into the starting
lineup with her work ethic, dazzling post moves and consistent
play. Sthefany is the second leading scorer on the team and the
primary option when the Comets Red have to go to their midrange
game. She has a quick release on her jumper, but prefers to leap
inside in order to score.
Defensively,
Sthefany is as mean as they come. Don't let that sweet smile fool
you; Sthefany doesn't back down from anyone. Sthefany's motto is:
"You can come inside if you want to. You can stay. Your
shot's gotta go the other way."
Sthefany
attends Wesley Chapel High School in Clearwater. She averaged 25.3
ppg, 9 rpg and 5 spg during the 2005-2006 high school season and was voted Pasco County Player of the Year.
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