Dec. 28, boys basketball fought Christian in the Winter Hoops Classic. Senior Sam Thompson scored 55 points, breaking his previous PR of 29 points and Howell’s record-from alumni Matt Schark- of 38 points scored in a game.

  “I couldn’t believe it for a couple of days,” Thompson said. “I thought that I had 40 or so points, but to have 55 was unbelievable. I felt like I was in a dream.”

Thompson also has the 21st most scored points in a game for the state of Missouri, and was the first one to break 50 points since Jan 30. 2018.

The Vikings lost the three games prior to their game against Christian, but gave Christian its first loss of the season.

“The games before were a learning experience for the team. It showed us that we can’t just show up to win and we hate to lose. Ever since, we have been ready to go to war,” Thompson said.

Thompson has not signed with any schools, but currently has a full ride offer from SEMO and several interested schools.

“The 55 point game sped up my recruiting process,” Thompson said. “There are currently about eight or so schools staying in close contact with me.”

Though he broke the school’s record and has SEMO’s guaranteed full-ride, Thompson isn’t settling down. 

“My goal for the season is to win as much as possible, and win state,” Thompson said. 

  2019, boys basketball qualified for state. Thompson, a sophomore at the time, was a starter. However, he was benched with a dislocated shoulder partway through the game. The team lost to CBC 64-62.

“I want to do everything in my power to win and not get hurt.” Thompson said.