Ella Thompson, right, had to find a way to score against 6-5 Grace Merkle of Bullitt East at the state tournament. Now she's headed to Tennessee Martin to play college basketball. (KHSAA Photo)
It’s not that Ella Thompson was not happy with the college basketball options she had before Bethlehem played in the state tournament. However, she was more than open to other possibilities. South Laurel coach Chris Souder, her AAU coach, reached out to the University of Tennessee at Martin coach Kevin McMillan. Souder has two of his former players — Seygan Robins and Emma Davis — at Mercer County playing at UT Martin now.
“I looked up (UT Martin) and really liked what I saw. I was very interested and a day later the head coach texted me about a good time to talk. Then he offered me and I decided that is where I want to go,” Thompson said.
She signed with UT Martin Tuesday even though she’s never been to campus — “I heard a lot about it from a couple of friends who show horses and have been there,” Thompson said.
Thompson had a brilliant career for Bethlehem. She averaged 17.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game last season when the Banshees went 26-5 and won the All “A” Classic for the second straight year. She shot 52.5 percent from the field and 79.2 percent at the foul line — she was 175 of 221 at the line and averaged over seven free throw attempts per game.
As a junior, she averaged 16.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the field and 71 percent at the foul line (155 of 218). She scored 1,123 her final two seasons when the Banshees won 48 games. She finished her career with 1,540 points (first in school history) and 898 rebounds.
“Adding Ella is an absolute great fit for our style and our program,” McMillan said. “She is a versatile player. She can shoot the ball, put it on the floor, play inside or out. We love how she can play multiple positions, comes from a strong program, has a great work ethic and her drive fits well with who we are.”
Thompson admits she had dreamed of playing Division I basketball and had several walk-on offers at Division I schools along with NAIA and Division II options.
“I was super content with my offers. I just had not yet put my finger on the exact place that felt right,” she said.
Bethlehem was one of several teams in the mix for the state championship. The Banshees lost to eventual state runner-up Marshall County in the quarterfinals after beating Bullitt East in the first round. She averaged 22.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the two games.
“For the two days after the state tournament I was pretty upset,” Thompson said. “Lot of emotions. Going to miss my teammates and coaches. But I got back in the gym and I am better now. I am excited for college. I wish we did more but I am still proud of what we did. We made history, so I can’t be mad with all we did.”
Thompson and senior teammate Amelia Hodges, who has signed with Lindsey Wilson, are now spending time visiting elementary schools in Nelson County sharing their story.
“I was actually pretty nervous and our AD (athletics director) said I had played in Rupp Arena, who why be nervous,” Thompson laughed and said. “It’s super great talking about the Bethlehem community and I hope I persuaded them to go (to Bethlehem).
“Bethlehem has great people. They are insanely welcoming and care for you and want what is best for you. The school is just one big family. One of my favorite things now is coming to school. I used to hate school, but now at Bethlehem I love it and enjoy telling others why.”
