Elkhorn North's unsung hero plays key role in Wolves' dynasty

ELKHORN — On a team full of Division I athletes, Elkhorn North girls basketball coach Ann Prince commended the play of one of her seniors that certainly does not get the praise or attention she deserves for her stellar play that has helped lead the Wolves to three-straight state championships.

“Grace Thomspon has been with us every step of the way,,” Prince stated. “She has established a legacy and culture that values hard work, selflessness, role embracement and teamwork. Grace is an amazing human being, thoughtful, selfless, humble, hard working, caring and a phenomenal teammate.”

Senior Grace Thompson played a critical role in the Wolves’ three-peat Class B State Championship run during the first three years of Elkhorn North High School’s existence.

"I love finishing out my high school career with all of these girls," Thompson commented. "It was amazing and I enjoyed every day, every practice, every game and every state championship with them. It's amazing."

Although she has never led the team in scoring, Thompson was the defensive catalyst for Elkhorn North throughout her basketball career.

"Defense will always be there for me," Thompson added. "I can have a bad game offensively, but defense will always be there. I usually guard one of the best or second best players on the other team. Playing my defensive role and getting stops on the defensive end transition to points on the offensive end for my other teammates."

The senior guard was generally tasked with defending the opposing team’s top scorer and more times than not, Thompson’s strong defensive play helped lead the Wolves to a victory.

“Grace has always embraced the role of a defensive stopper,” Prince spoke. “She understands how important it is to our team’s success to shut down or minimize the other team’s best players. She has always accepted this role and fulfilled it at an elite level. Grace is a great defender because she embraces the role, she doesn't back down and she is smart, she forces opponents away from their strong suits.”

Thompson came over to Elkhorn North from Elkhorn high school during her sophomore year when Elkhorn North High School opened in 2020. Despite having zero seniors and a young, inexperienced squad, the Wolves saw early potential.

"We had all these different pieces to put together and it was honestly fun to put them together," Thompson recalled. "We had to figure it all out and transition into leading since we didn't have any seniors. Being able to lead on the defensive side was a big role of mine and I really enjoyed it."

In its inaugural season, Elkhorn North went 21-2 and captured the 2020-21 Class B State Championship. In the state title tilt, Thompson scored 14 points in the Wolves’ 46-33 victory over Norris.

"We knew Norris was going to focus on Britt (Prince) and Reilly (Palmer)," Thompson said. "The rest of us knew we had to get open for our teammates and make shots. Once we got open, the defense had to move towards us and that opened things up for Britt and Reilly."

After winning a state crown in their first season, the Wolves’ had a target placed firmly on their back.

"One big word coach Prince likes to say a lot is poise," Thompson remarked. "She wants us to play with poise and we always come together and are calm. We play for each other and keep that poise on the court."

With leaders like Thompson, the Wolves fended off all challengers and cruised to a second-straight state championship last year.

“Grace is an outstanding leader,” Prince said. “She leads by example on and off the court. She works hard, puts her teammates before herself and has been an example of doing things the right way.”

Although when most people talk or think about the Elkhorn North girls hoops program, the bulk of the focus is on highly-touted recruit Britt Prince. Coach Prince helped create a culture of unselfishness and playing as a team. The squad bought into that mentality and everyone has played an intricate role in Elkhorn North’s success.

"It starts with our scout team," Thompson stated. "Playing against them in practice makes our starters better. That translates into success and wins."

Entering her senior campaign, Thompson and Wolves knew they once again were the team to beat in Class B. After an early defeat to Skutt Catholic dropped Elkhorn North to 1-1 on the season, the black and blue rattled off 23-straight wins to reach the state championship game for the third time in the team’s three years of existence. One of those wins included a 65-63 triumph over eventual Class A State Champ Millard South in mid December.

The state championship contest set up a rematch between Elkhorn North and Skutt Catholic. After battling to a 14-9 tie in the first quarter, the Wolves used a 14-9 run in the second to take a 32-27 lead into the break. Elkhorn North outscored the SkyHawks 32-24 in the second half to seal a third-straight state crown.

“It feels amazing to go out with a bang,” Thompson commented. “Our schedule really pushed us since we had to play tough teams throughout the season. We came into practice every day and put in the work. We were all in it together and played for each other."

In her final game at Elkhorn North, Thompson recorded nine points, six assists, two rebounds and a steal. The most impressive stat line for Thompson though was helping the Wolf defense hold a high-powered Skutt offense to 12 points below its season average.

"I love playing defense," Thompson said. "I like to get the stops, being up in their grill and getting them mad or upset because they can't score is a great feeling to have."

During the state tournament run, Thompson averaged eight points on the offensive end but more importantly guided the Elklhorn North defense to three impressive defensive performances,

When your leaders are unselfish and great team players you have a chance to be special as a team,” Prince stated. “Grace is a shining example of an unselfish team player, she is willing to fulfill any role big or small to help her team be successful.”

Thompson still has plenty of basketball left in her career. The senior guard signed her letter of intent to continue her education and basketball careers at Doane University.

“Grace should transition smoothly into college as she is willing to fulfill any role needed,” Prince added. “She can defend, rebound, run, score, handle the ball and whatever is needed she will do.”

Thompson looks forward to helping yet another young team and trying to bring her high school success to the college ranks.

"I am really excited to go play college ball," Thompson concluded. "They have a lot of younger girls. I want to come in, bond with the girls and see where the season takes us."

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