Former Jayhawk Billy Thomas Leads Rockhurst Boys Basketball to Special Season

Rockhurst is one of the most dominant boys basketball teams in Missouri this year under Thomas' leadership.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:51am

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Rockhurst High School's boys basketball team has had a remarkable turnaround in the past five years, going from below .500 seasons to a 23-1 record this year and being one of the top teams in Missouri. This transformation is credited to the arrival of head coach Billy Thomas, a former standout player at the University of Kansas, who has instilled a team-first mentality and a winning culture.

Why it matters

Rockhurst's success under Coach Thomas highlights the impact a dedicated and experienced coach can have in reviving a struggling high school sports program. Thomas' background as a standout college and professional player has allowed him to share valuable wisdom and leadership with his players, helping to develop them both on and off the court.

The details

Five years ago, Rockhurst's boys basketball team was struggling, with low expectations. But the arrival of head coach Billy Thomas, a former sharpshooter at the University of Kansas, has turned the program around. Thomas, who played at KU from 1994-1998 and is second all-time in career three-pointers, has emphasized unselfish, team-first basketball, and the Hawklets have responded, posting a 23-1 record this season.

  • Billy Thomas was hired as Rockhurst's head coach five years ago.
  • Rockhurst's boys basketball team had below .500 seasons before Thomas arrived.

The players

Billy Thomas

The head coach of the Rockhurst boys basketball team, who played at the University of Kansas from 1994-1998 and is second all-time in career three-pointers made at KU.

Max Moylan

A senior on the Rockhurst boys basketball team.

Kemper Roberts

A junior on the Rockhurst boys basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We kinda have a motto. It's not about who we play, it's about how we play.”

— Max Moylan, Senior (KCTV5)

“My freshman year, we didn't have a lot of expectations. I know the year before was even worse expectations before I got here.”

— Kemper Roberts, Junior (KCTV5)

“Each year he's been turning us around, he's been setting a higher and higher standard for us to live up to.”

— Kemper Roberts, Junior (KCTV5)

“Just knowing how good of a player he was, and just the wisdom he's giving to us.”

— Max Moylan, Senior (KCTV5)

“It's awesome. I'm a KU fan myself; it's awesome. I love seeing him at the KU games and he really brings us the experience that we need.”

— Kemper Roberts, Junior (KCTV5)

What’s next

Rockhurst will continue their pursuit of a state championship this season under Coach Thomas' leadership.

The takeaway

Rockhurst's remarkable turnaround under Coach Billy Thomas demonstrates the transformative power of experienced, dedicated leadership in high school sports. Thomas' background as a standout college and professional player has allowed him to instill a winning mentality and team-first approach that has elevated the Hawklets to new heights.