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RECRUITING: Centennial’s Sam Thomas commits to Arizona

Centennial senior Sam Thomas made an oral commitment to Arizona for women’s basketball on Tuesday.

Thomas, who is the reigning state player of the year, averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 2.0 assists as a junior en route to earning first-team all-state honors.

“I think it’s a good choice for her,” Centennial coach Karen Weitz said. “She’s a good fit for any program. She’s just so versatile and is a very coachable kid. She will adapt to whatever system. That’s one thing I think about Sam. When she came to me (from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan), she was so adaptive to our program.”

The 6-foot wing chose the Wildcats over scholarship offers from Michigan, Northwestern and UNLV, announcing her decision via Twitter.

“With careful thought and consideration I am blessed to say that I have committed to Arizona to continue my athletic and academic career,” Thomas tweeted.

Thomas played a key role in helping the Bulldogs win their second consecutive state championship in February. She scored 29 points on 11 of 16 shooting in the state semifinals and added nine points and seven rebounds in a 78-62 win over Liberty in the state final.

“She’s very dependable and reliable,” Weitz said. “She doesn’t commit a lot of mistakes and won’t hurt you. She’s just really solid fundamentally. She doesn’t lack the confidence and she has a great skill set.”

Thomas’ commitment is nonbinding, and the first day she can sign a letter of intent is Nov. 9. Arizona’s coaches cannot comment until that time.

Thomas is the fifth Bulldogs player in the class of 2017 to make an oral commitment.

Jayden Eggleston (Iona), Pam Wilmore (New Mexico State) and Megan Jefferson and Shyla Miller (Academy of Art University) also have committed.

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