Bailey Thompson a Piedmont Middle School Student (class of 2014) traveled to Kingsport Tennessee with her AAU club team East Bay Xplosion (EBX) to take part in the AAU Girls Basketball 12-Under Division I National Championship. EBX placed 8th out of 64 teams participating in the July 2009 tournament. The only team representing California the girls did their state and club proud!
Thompson’s basketball experience started in Piedmont with a Purple & White Camp, Piedmont Recreation Team’s and Piedmont Basketball Foundation MVP teams. Thompson has participated in AAU Nationals for the last three years. Her first two experiences were grade based Nationals and her teams placed 1st and 2nd respectively. This year the competition was the toughest yet and according to Bailey the most valuable experience to date.
The first game of the tournament against Western Carolina Storm, was extremely challenging, four teammates fouled out of the game but EBX was able to get a run in the last minute of the game to win and Thompson contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds to the final score of 51/40. The second game was another nail bitter between Xplosion and Kentucky Blast. Thompson made two crucial baskets when her team was down by 5 points. EBX won the game, with Thompson contributing 10 points and 8 rebounds to the final score of 57/54. The next win against North Carolina Burke Jammers put the team in the “SWEET SIXTEEN” of the tournament. Game six against the Minnesota North Tartans was another battle. Again EBX rallied and held their two point lead from free throws made by teammate Gabby Green and held the Tartans with 22 seconds left in the game thus putting the team into the “ELITE EIGHT”. The remaining three games were lost and the team exhausted after five days of top competition were given bronze metals to celebrate their achievement.
Thompson stated emphatically that “I LOVE THIS GAME” and hopes for another AAU run in 2010.
