HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Thompkins Heats Up, Campbell Hall Storms Past Faith Baptist

It’s easy to understand why Campbell Hall guard C.J. Thompkins is experiencing something of a bunker mentality.

In short, the clock is running on his senior year. And with Campbell Hall facing a Southern Section eligibility hearing today that could result in the forfeiture of eight victories and cost the defending Division V-AA champions a playoff berth, Thompkins is going down kicking and screaming.

“I have to play my hardest right now,” Thompkins said. “These games could be my last.”

Thompkins scored a game-high 26 points Tuesday night, including 19 in the second half as Campbell Hall stormed past archrival Faith Baptist, 73-66, in a Delphic League game at Campbell Hall.

Faith Baptist held a 12-point halftime lead when Thompkins stole the show--and the ball. He swiped an inbounds pass to open the half, scored and added a free throw. Thirty seconds later, he pulled off another three-point play as Campbell Hall (14-8, 10-1 in league play) closed to within 38-32.

The Vikings stayed within striking range into the fourth quarter, when a three-point goal by Thompkins with 3 minutes 51 seconds remaining put Campbell Hall on top, 61-60, for the first time. A Thompkins steal on the ensuing possession led to a basket by Alex Lopez (14 points).

Tony Hoggatts led Faith Baptist (11-11, 4-7) with 24 points.