By Cindy Peterson
Cameron Thornton Makes the Jump to Lake Minneola Basketball
At 6-foot-2, Cameron Thornton is used to having a size advantage on the basketball court.
That changed when the 14-year-old shooting guard arrived at Lake Minneola High School this year.
“The biggest challenge was the transition from middle school to high school,” Cameron says. “When I got to middle school, all the people were shorter than me and not as strong. It was a big change coming into high school where they are all stronger than me.”
The adjustment has meant spending more time in the weight room while continuing to sharpen the skills that have been developing since he first picked up a basketball around age 4.
“I just picked up a basketball and loved it from there,” Cameron says.
Basketball quickly became his sport.
Before moving on to Lake Minneola, Cameron helped Minneola Charter School win two district championships and set a school record with 44 points in a single game. His father, Andre, says Cameron averaged about 26 points per game during his final middle school season and could take control when his team needed him.
Cameron’s athletic ability extends beyond basketball. He also competed in track, becoming a state champion in the high jump, and played flag football.
Still, basketball remains his priority.
Cameron’s favorite NBA team is the Los Angeles Lakers, although Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards is the player he most enjoys watching. However, given the chance to play anyone one-on-one, he would choose LeBron James.
Could he score? “Probably, like, one point,” Cameron says.
Cameron describes himself as a “calm, collected leader” who values good sportsmanship. One of the strongest parts of his game, he says, is leading his teammates.
His father has been his biggest influence.
“He’s keeps pushing me forward,” Cameron says. “He’s always trying to motivate me.”
That push is becoming less necessary. His father says Cameron’s work ethic has grown to the point that he now takes responsibility for working out on his own.
Before games, Cameron tries to keep things simple.
“I try to lock into the game,” he says. “Once I get in the game, I just flow.”
His routine includes pogo hops to get his body ready and prayer before taking the court.
This year he hopes to add to his two favorite memories: playing in international tournaments in Puerto Rico, where he recorded his first in-game dunk, and his 44-point performance.
Now, he is working on defense, transitions, strength and learning to play with a mostly new group of teammates under second-year Lake Minneola Coach Kewaski Jackson.
His long-term goals are considerably bigger. Cameron hopes to play basketball at a higher level. If basketball doesn’t become his career, he is already considering two very different paths in sports medicine or aerospace. Why not both?
For now, there are four years of high school basketball ahead and a drive to exceed all expectations.
Photos: Cindy Peterson and provided
Cindy serves as Executive Editor of Style Magazine and is a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography and video editing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine’s Sports Hub Podcast and Style Podcast. Cindy also serves as a producer for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy enjoys traveling to national parks with her husband, Ryan, and son, David, while photographing wildlife — especially squirrels.
