West Lauderdale senior guard Mallory Thompson, center, signs with Meridian Community College Wednesday morning in West Lauderdale's library. She was joined by her mother, left, Shellye Thompson, and her father, Murphy Thompson.

COLLINSVILLE — Meridian Community College is gaining a player West Lauderdale girls basketball coach Matt Lum described as simply everything for which you could ask in a player.

Senior guard Mallory Thompson signed with MCC Wednesday morning in West Lauderdale’s library to continue her basketball career at the hometown community college. In her senior season, Thompson led the Lady Knights with 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals per game, helping them reach the state semifinals of the Class 4A postseason.

“On the court, off the court, she’s done everything we’ve ever asked,” Lum said. “She’s been a great role model for the kids.”

Having had a love for sports at an early age, Thompson said it was a dream come true to be able to keep playing for at least two more years, especially for a school at which she feels comfortable attending.

“MCC (provides) a good education, and it’s close to home, so I’ll be with my family and friends,” Thompson said. “I feel blessed to continue playing a sport I love.”

Thompson’s parents, Shellye and Murphy Thompson, both said it was a proud moment for them to see their daughter have an opportunity to play at the next level.

“It’s bittersweet,” Shellye Thompson said. “It’s been a good journey.”

Said Murphy Thompson, “She’s always wanted to play and always been a player from fifth grade on — and she loves to compete.”

That love for competition is what drives their daughter to give 100 percent every day, they added.

“It just oozes out of her,” Shellye Thompson said.

Explained Murphy Thompson, “She thrives off good, tough competition. She’s always been able, when the team is down, to do something to turn the tide.”

A two-sport star, Thompson said she will play basketball only at MCC instead of trying to split time between that and softball like she does at West Lauderdale. Lum said he never minded sharing Thompson with softball.

“Certainly, burnout is never an issue, because she goes from one sport to the next, and sometimes the skills are transferrable,” Lum said.

While she’s looking forward to playing for MCC women’s coach Jocelyn McGilberry, Mallory Thompson said she will miss playing at West Lauderdale and for Lum.

“He’s a good coach,” Mallory Thompson said. “He pushes me to be the best, and he sets high expectations for the team. It’s bittersweet, because I will miss my friends here and all of the teachers.”

While he’s happy for Mallory Thompson to be able to keep playing, Lum said she leaves some difficult shoes to fill.

“MCC is gaining a great kid,” Lum said. “More than what she does on the court, we’re losing a great kid.”