ORLANDO, Fla — The girl’s high school basketball season is coming a close, and the 2022 class 7A champs Dr Phillips Panthers are preparing to defend their title.

In order to do that, it helps to have one of the best players in the state leading the way. Junior guard Trinity Turner is a stat-stuffer, she leads the team in many categories. She has been playing basketball since she was 5 years-old. She enjoys many aspects of the game.

“I actually like playing with my teammates. I like the atmosphere. I like playing against a good crowd and I like when people doubt us,” said Turner.

What people don’t doubt is the talent Turner has, but that comes from hard work. It’s hard work that has paid off.

“She leads the team in points, she leads the team in rebounds, she leads the team in steals, she leads the team in assists and she leads the team in blocks,” said head coach Anthony Jones. 

“I feel like I am contributing a big part of this team,” said Turner.

Her contributions to a game are a lot like her favorite player, LeBron James.

“He has been the goat since my childhood. I’ve been watching him since I came out of the womb,” said Turner.

Her efforts helped Dr Phillips win the 7A state championship last year. The goal for this year is to wearing more gold at the end of the season.

“I never knew what that felt like, so I know what that feels like. We are definitely trying to go a repeat,” said Turner.

The team ended the regular season at 23-1. As the playoffs start trinity and her teammates aren’t satisfied with just one state championship.

“I like the work that gets us there,” said Turner. “When we have to run, I know it maybe challenging at times, but we can get through it. We are ready, looking forward to the playoffs, healthy ready 100 percent.”

Gold win be handed out for the state championships in Lakeland between February 22nd through the 25th.