Arcadia High School is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in Arizona’s 4A Division - thanks in large part to the leadership of Head Coach Greg Richards and his coaching staff. After taking over the program last season, Richards has led the team to a strong 12-3 start to the high school season. Positioned as one of the top teams in the state's 4A Division, Arcadia has its eyes on a state championship run this season.
A huge part of Arcadia’s rise this season has been the emergence of rising star, 6-foot-4 stud freshman Jacobi Thompson Jr. A mere freshman star, Thompson instantly was inserted into Arcadia's starting lineup and has produced at an profound pace. One of the nation's elite prospects for the 2029 Class, Thompson is a rising superstar in our state and he is putting everyone on notice this high school season.
Regarded as one of the nation's elite prospects for some time, Thompson joined the program this year, after transferring into our state from California over the summer. Jacobi's move to Arizona immediately gave Arcadia a boost with his NBA-level athleticism and advanced offensive skillset. Thompson has been very impressive this high school season with his play, and he is one of the elite freshman prospects in the country.
Thompson has been turning heads all season, including earning an All-Tournament selection at the Mesa Fear the Hop Tournament in November to start the season. He also recently delivered an amazing highlight-reel dunk over Arizona superstar Cam Williams (Duke signee) on Friday evening, in his team road loss to St. Mary's High School. Thompson is quickly proving that he is on the same trajectory similar to other elite young prospects as Mesa's Kyi Kyi Miles and Millennium's Adan Diggs.
As a left-hander, Jacobi is an incredibly versatile scorer with excellent body control and the ability to finish at an elite level both in the open court and in the half-court set. He is difficult to defend as a result of his ability to stop and go, and hesitation dribbles that open up his drives to the basket, and also mid-range game. Hs ability to make shots with range allows him to also drive past defenders and finish strong at the rim. He is also a versatile ball handler that can play multiple positions on the floor. A good passer who loves to involve his teammates, Thompson likes to make plays for himself and his teammates, and enjoys having the basketball in his hands, where he is able to make plays. Also a strong rebounder from the guard or wing position, and an excellent defender that plays passing lanes. Still very young, he’s only going to continue to grow and mature into a top national prospect.
I will continue to keep a very close eye on Jacobi Thompson Jr. as he continues to lead Arcadia this season, and develops into another budding young star for the state of Arizona. His future looks to be very bright.
Arizona Preps Scouting Report: A native of California, Thompson Jr. recently moved to the state of Arizona after an illustrious middle school career. A nationally acclaimed young prospect for the 2029 Class and an immediate impact performer within the state of Arizona. Thompson is a skilled young prospect with loads of athleticism and talent, and he is just beginning to realize his amazing potential for the future. As a left-hander, Jacobi is an incredibly versatile scorer with excellent body control and the ability to finish at an elite level both in the open court and in the half-court set. He is difficult to defend as a result of his ability to stop and go, and hesitation dribbles that open up his drives to the basket, and also mid-range game. Hs ability to make shots with range allows him to also drive past defenders and finish strong at the rim. He is also a versatile ball handler that can play multiple positions on the floor. A good passer who loves to involve his teammates, Thompson likes to make plays for himself and his teammates, and enjoys having the basketball in his hands, where he is able to make plays. Also a strong rebounder from the guard or wing position, and an excellent defender that plays passing lanes. Still very young, he’s only going to continue to grow and mature into a top national prospect.
