This past fall, Herriman High School’s JJ Tomsick was busy tearing it up on the golf course, placing eighth in Class 6A. He also helped the Mustangs take third as a team. Now, the senior is helping Herriman on the basketball court. 

Tomsick is part of a Mustangs’ squad that has gotten off to a good start for the 2024–25 season. Head coach Doug Meacham’s team won five of its first six contests, with its only loss during that span coming against a foe from Colorado. Herriman took down strong teams such as Pleasant Grove, Lone Peak and Lehi early on. 

Though he might not be putting up eye-popping numbers, Tomsick is a valuable member of the basketball team, providing leadership and steadiness. Meacham said Tomsick’s prowess on the golf course has helped him develop as a basketball player and contribute to the team’s success. 

“JJ has developed a mentally tough mind to handle challenges and adversity while being one of the top golfers in the state this last year,” Meacham said. “Golfers experience it on every hole. They develop a ‘next play’ mentality, or they don’t succeed in golf. This carries over from golf to basketball for JJ.”

On the season, Tomsick averaged five points, two assists and nearly two rebounds a game through the Mustangs’ first six outings. He has also played a key role on the defensive end of the court, where Herriman surrendered just 54 points a game through mid-December. In the first six games, the Mustangs never allowed more than 62 points. 

A good shooter, Tomsick said he prides himself on playing tough defense and working well within Meacham’s offense. 

“I shoot the ball well, execute set plays and defend well too,” he said. “I feel like those attributes are some of the most important parts of my game I bring to the team.”

Though golf might be Tomsick’s top sport, he is no stranger to basketball. He started playing at a young age, largely due to his father’s influence. 

“I’ve been playing basketball for as long as I can remember,” he said. “My dad got me into it really young. It’s always been his favorite and he loved it in high school just like I do.”

While all players have different reasons why they play and what they like most about the sport, Tomsick said he loves the feeling of accomplishing goals and working hard to win a game. He likes playing alongside his teammates, whom he considers some of his best friends. As for playing for the Mustangs, Tomsick appreciates the culture that Meacham has helped to establish. Tomsick said the players get along well and do what it takes to be successful. 

“I really enjoy winning with all my best friends,” Tomsick said. “We’ve grown up together, so my main motivation is doing all I can to help bring a region and state championship to me, my coaches and my teammates and friends. I love playing for Herriman because we have a lot of people who love to support us, and we have a winning culture under coach Meacham. One thing I like about playing for this team is our will to win. I know everyone on and off the court wants to win just as bad as I do, and it helps me trust my teammates.”

Coming into this season, Tomsick had been battling some injuries, which has hampered him a bit. Still, he has strived to get better as a player, especially with collecting more rebounds to help his team. 

“Something I am really trying to improve on for this season is my rebounding, both on offense and defense,” he said. “I haven’t grabbed as many as I feel I should coming off of an injury.”

Tomsick is back in the Mustangs’ lineup this season after sitting out his junior season. He didn’t play a season ago, as he chose to concentrate more on his golf game. He saw some time two years ago as a sophomore. By being out of action last season, Tomsick had to shake off some rust when play began this season. Fortunately, he’s getting into the offensive and defensive flow, he said. 

“The main challenge that I’ve faced so far is missing out on my junior season,” he said. “I decided to take a year and focus on golf during the winter, so trying to come back and make an impact wasn’t easy at first, but I’m feeling much more comfortable now.”

Herriman faces stiff competition in Region 2 and Class 6A. The Mustangs will contend with Corner Canyon and Bingham in league play, among other squads. Winning the region and making a run in the state tournament won’t be easy. But those lofty aspirations aren’t holding Tomsick back. 

“I only have two goals for this year,” he said. “They are to win a region championship and a state championship. Those are how success will be measured this year.”

Last season, the Mustangs were close to bringing home a state crown. Herriman lost by a single point to Lehi in the semifinals and finished 20-6 overall. 

Though Tomsick’s competitive basketball career may end once this season is over, his athletic career is far from over. He recently signed to play golf for Utah Valley University, where he’ll enroll this fall. He plans on studying business management while helping the Wolverines on the golf course. Before that, he hopes to hoist a state championship trophy in basketball. λ