FARMINGTON -- Matt Thomas and Matt Wilson first teamed up on the basketball court in fourth grade.
They've been together ever since, and the Farmington players expect to put that familiarity to good use this season as the Cardinals aim for better results in their second go-around through Class 5A.
Farmington started quickly last season before being overwhelmed in its first year in its new classification, finishing 14-13 overall after a 9-1 start. That included a 4-8 record in 5A-West Conference play, which was filled with bitterly close defeats.
"It was a shock to us, the physicality and athleticism," Farmington Coach Beau Thompson said. "We still played really well, had some good wins, but our kids were just put in a bad spot and it wasn't their fault."
Thomas and Wilson return for their junior seasons after combining for an average of 24.5 points per game last season. Their expectations are much higher following an offseason of work geared toward better preparing them for the physical nature of Class 5A basketball.
"The shock was just the competition level, where in 4A we had certain teams we could just roll the ball out and beat them," Thomas said. "In 5A, every game was a dogfight and we knew if we didn't play our best we'd get beat."
Thomas, a 6-4 forward who Thompson described as a matchup nightmare for opponents because of his versatility and ability to get to the rim, has more experience than your typical junior. He averaged 20 points per game as a freshman two years ago in Class 4A before averaging 15 a game last season.
Despite the dip in his offensive numbers, Thompson said Thomas was a better player a year ago.
Thomas anticipates making the same type of jump this season after a summer of weight-lifting sessions and workouts driven by the memory of last season's struggles. It also fueled him as he worked through dealing with a broken right thumb that kept him off the court until mid-August. Thomas took part in CrossFit workouts during that time to stay in shape.
"We wanted to do everything in our power to get back on top and winning," Thomas said.
Winning is something Thomas and Wilson are accustomed to doing. They had played against each other up until that point and were the best players on their respective teams, although once they teamed up the victories followed.
It's a bond and friendship that goes well beyond the court.
"When we walk into a classroom, the teacher automatically just sets us apart on different sides of the room," Thomas said, smiling. "We work well together. I can just look at him and I know where he's going to be and vice versa."
Sports on 11/18/2015