She may be young, but Kiya Turner has a bold presence on the court. The sophomore point guard for the Nease High School girls basketball team isn’t afraid to take on a lead role for the Lady Panthers just like she isn’t afraid to drive toward the goal to snag two points with her unstoppable mid-range jumper.
During the 2016-17 season, the 5’6” guard snagged eight rebounds and averaged 20 points and five assists per game. Turner has been a key factor in the Lady Panthers’ recent winning records since making the Varsity team as a freshman.
In basketball, it takes a certain type of player to take on the role as a point guard, but to take on the role as an underclassman is special and something that usually takes the experience and maturity of an upperclassman. For Turner, however, the responsibility of leading her team was welcomed.
“I think I’m a good point guard because I like to put my team with the ball where they can be successful,” Turner said. “I execute well, and I have good court vision.”
While Turner has an apparent natural ability on the court, her confidence and talent as a basketball player is the result of a thus far lifetime commitment to the game. Her father first introduced her to the sport at a young age, and immediately she wanted to pursue her interest in basketball. Growing up, she practiced a lot. She played one-on-one against her father, her brother, her neighbors, and when she wasn’t doing that, she focused on perfecting her shot. When the time came, Turner joined club teams to compliment her school-oriented play.
“I just fell in love with the game,” Turner said. “It really got serious when I knew I had the chance of playing college basketball.”
Today, basketball is a year-round effort for Turner, and her unrelenting desire to improve as a player is special. It’s easy to see from the stands that Turner has a certain spark on the court. Yes, she’s talented, but it’s that hunger to be a stronger athlete and her love for the game of basketball that make her stand out among other high school athletes.
“I stay motivated as a player because I love the feeling, the pressure; I like the intensity when it’s a close game,” Turner said.
From her coaches, teammates, and family members, Turner has received a ton of support that assisted her in being the player she is today, but nothing quite compares to the guidance and encouragement she receives from her father.
“He’s been there since I was little; he’s basically like a coach and dad at the same time,” Turner said. “I hear him screaming at me from the sideline. We have a great friendship too. He’s my coach, dad, and friend all at the same time.”
Although she competed in two impressive seasons with the Lady Panthers, the team was knocked out of the state tournament during the Elite Eight game in both years Kiya has been on the team. It’s her goal, however, to lead her team to a state title before she graduates. Only halfway through her high school career, Kiya is undoubtedly an exciting athlete to watch in Northeast Florida.
Sophomore Point Guard Scores for Her Team and Her Future
Kiya Turner | Nease High School | Northeast Florida | April/May 2017
Written by: Sarah Turner
