Miles Unale is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mountain Ridge High School for AZPreps365.com.

Mountain Ridge senior Jaiden Thompson’s name is all over the stat sheet. He ranks first in the Desert Valley region in assists, steals, free throws, and charges taken, while sitting third in three-pointers made. He also ranks second in the region in scoring at 17.7 points per game and ninth in the 6A Conference. But for those who know him best, Thompson’s impact extends far beyond the numbers.

Since first stepping onto the court for Mountain Ridge, Thompson has grown into both a dynamic scorer and a leader. His journey, shaped by years of relentless work and a deep love for the game, has turned him into the heart of the Mountain Lions' program.

“I started playing basketball as a toddler,” Thompson said. “My two older brothers played, and my dad coached them, so I was always around basketball. Since I can remember, I’ve loved watching and playing.”

That passion, combined with an immense work ethic, has helped Thompson refine his game. He was always capable of making a good move, but early on, he struggled with hesitation. Things like passing up open shots and second-guessing himself.

“To help myself get over that, I would play a lot of one-on-one,” Thompson said. “It helped me get rid of that hesitation, and from there, I’ve been able to improve my scoring ability.”

His father played a pivotal role in shaping him into the player he is today. From an early age, he instilled strong fundamentals, helping Thompson develop his jump shot and overall skill set.

“When I got to middle school, he started to let me become my own player while giving advice on how to be better,” Thompson said. “If I was doing something well, he was always giving me ways to do it better.”

That constant drive for improvement has paid off. Mountain Ridge head Craig Marcus has seen firsthand how Thompson’s game has evolved.

“He’s just continued to get better and better,” Marcus said. “His shooting and getting to his spots is where he has improved the most.”

Beyond his ability to put the ball in the basket, Thompson has taken on a leadership role. Once a quiet presence, he has become much more vocal, guiding teammates not just in games, but in practice as well.

“He helps players understand what we need from them,” Marcus said. “He’s a calming factor, getting the team in positions to be successful. He’s also a game-changer. He hits big shots and makes great plays on the defensive end.”

Though his offensive production stands out, Thompson’s defensive presence is just as valuable. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses often goes unnoticed in the box score.

“Steals and deflections; he gets quite a bit,” Marcus said. “If you aren’t paying attention, you wouldn’t really know.”

Off the court, Thompson is just as impactful. He’s known for his positivity, uplifting teammates, and genuinely caring about those around him.

“He cares,” Marcus said. “About his friends, his teammates, his family, and the game of basketball.”

That leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates, including Bobby Mahaney, who has watched Thompson’s growth firsthand.

“Jaiden has gotten so much better since I first saw him play here,” Mahaney said. “He’s grown a lot as a player and as a person.”

For Thompson, basketball at Mountain Ridge has been about more than just personal accolades. He cherishes the relationships he has built, especially during the team’s summer trips to UC San Diego.

“We’re able to compete for a couple hours, then go back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of our day together,” Thompson said. “I had a lot of fun on those trips.”

This season, Thompson reached a major career milestone, scoring his 1,000th career point on Feb. 2 against rival Sandra Day O’Connor.

“It was a big goal of mine going into high school,” Thompson said. “Being able to reach it felt amazing.”

Now, as his time at Mountain Ridge nears its end, Thompson hopes to leave a lasting message for the next generation of players.

“I would tell the younger players to work as hard as you can so that when it’s done, you don’t have any regrets,” Thompson said. “And just enjoy it. The good and the bad, because it will only last so long.”