Nicole Thompson will get a chance to continue her basketball career at Tennessee Temple. Thompson thought this day might not happen after she tore her ACL prior to her senior season. The Oakdale guard had a vision and college basketball was in her future and she wasn't going to be denied.    Thompson showed up at Oakdale a talented Freshman but no one knew what to expect. The Lady Eagles coaching staff knew Thompson would play it was just a question, if she could blend in. It didn't take long for her presence to be felt as she pumped in a season high 24 in just her second game as as a Lady Eagle at Jellico. "We knew Nicole could play and she came out and made us look pretty good," said Coach Fred Snow with a smile. 

Thompson would be as consistent as the teams she played on for three seasons. Her freshman campaign ended one game shy of the sectionals as they ended the season with a close loss to Wartburg. The Lady Eagles finished the year with 20 wins as Thompson averaged near 10 points a game and finished second in the county in three pointers with 37. Thompson was named first team all district in her rookie campaign.

     Thompson sophomore year was probably the best team in her four years at Oakdale. The Lady Eagles won a school record 29 games and claimed the regional championship before falling to Cosby in the sectionals. Thompson once again averaged near 10 points a game and knocked down 35 three pointers to lead the Lady Eagles. Thompson was once again first team all-district and was also the MVP of the regional tournament.

    Her junior season would turn out to be the last full season she would have at Oakdale. Once again Thompson led a consistent Lady Eagle team deep in the post season before bowing out in the region semifinals. Thompson, for the third straight year, scored nearly 10 points a game and finished second in the district in three pointers made with 47. She would be named first team all district for the third straight year.

     Thompson tore her ACL before her senior year on the hardwood even began. Thompson was a great teammate though as she sat on the bench and cheered on her teammates. The senior finally got to dress on senior night and actually got the start. Thompson came out and drained a three pointer the first trip down and the coaches quickly got her out of the game. She finished her senior a perfect 1-1 from the floor. She finished her career with 829 points and 120 three pointers made. "Nicole has always wanted to play basketball at the next level as much as anybody i have coached. She is very talented and i feel like she can help Temple right away," said Snow
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Written by: Marty Maston