Q&A With Decatur Central Sophomore Havana Thompson

Thompson has averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.5 steals through the first half of this season. She has improved her free-throw percentage by 30 points from last season and will be a prospect to monitor as she gets older and continues to develop. Havana went for 22 points, three rebounds, and three steals in a 65-64 win at Cascade on Nov. 20, 2024, and was a 32 percent three-pointer shooter last season as a freshman with 34 makes...

What is your favorite movie?

Havana: "I like Despicable Me, because I think it's funny with interesting characters."

What is your favorite food?

Havana: "I'd say probably chicken alfredo."

Who is your favorite athlete?

Havana: "Definitely at the moment Paige Bueckers or Caitlin Clark."

How would you describe the overall experience playing varsity basketball in the inner city in Indianapolis?

Havana: "We have a lot of tough competition. People like Pike, we play them, then people like Plainfield, Mooresville, Warren, and we recently just played Franklin Central so there's definitely a lot of good competition, but I think, really, playing those teams have really helped just push myself to be the better version of myself, not just for me, but for the team.

Where do you foresee yourself in ten years' time?

Havana: "Hopefully continuing my basketball journey while becoming a sports psychologist."

How would you best describe your strengths on the basketball court?

Havana: "I've been told since I was young that I have a really strong IQ on the court so that's definitely really good for me. I love being able to read the court and see what others may not see. Definitely having a strong IQ has been a big advantage for me coming into high school. Being able to get my teams moving up the court or cutting to where I see something could work, and just having the coaching staff trust, it has been great. Also my shooting, I've been working on expanding my range out more and being consistent on it but knowing I can do that also comes into play with my IQ, because I know once I start pulling them out, I can also attack and create things not only for myself, but for my team as well."

If you could go anywhere for a seven-day vacation, where would it be?

Havana: "Most definitely The Bahamas. I love going to the beach and I think The Bahamas is so beautiful, so definitely that."

Do you have any specific goals you'd like to accomplish between now and this time next year?

Havana: "As of right now, between now and this time next year I have nothing specific besides getting my name out there more. I say that because, yes, a lot of people know me, but definitely showing the real me as a player more often."

Who or what would you say is your greatest inspiration?

Havana: "Definitely my dad. He's pushing me to be the best version of myself on and off the court, and has really helped get me where I am today and has continued to help me."

What was your proudest moment as a basketball player to this point?

Havana: "Umm OK that's actually a hard one. I would say coming into my freshman year at a new school and starting, and just continuing to go from there and continuing to grow as a player."

Any random fact you would like to share about yourself?

Havana: "I would say my favorite hobby is baking, and personally I think I'm really good at it. Anytime I have outside of basketball, that's probably what I do the most besides sleep."