JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On any given day, you can count on Ribault guard Trinity Berry to be immersed in basketball. Whether she’s on the court practicing or playing, or training hard off it, Berry’s dedication is unwavering.
“This kid is a kid that wants the ball in her hands,” Ribault girls basketball head coach Dorian Stevens said. “She can score at every level. She works hard even on her off days.”
Berry, a starter for the Trojans, is contributing to a successful season. “I just think we got the work, we got everybody that we need, all the pieces that we need to make a state run,” Berry said.
Her understanding of teamwork is evident as she acknowledges her role and her teammates’ abilities.
“She waited her turn and she’s playing her role well,” Stevens said. “They understand that she can score. She understands that they can score and it’s a team sport. They’re playing well together.”
Berry is recognized as one of the best young players in the area, earning the nickname “sensational sophomore” from Stevens, a legend in high school basketball. Stevens was the first McDonald’s All-American in Northeast Florida and one of three athletes to win City Player of the Year honors all four years in high school. She was part of one of the most successful teams in Ribault history, with four state championships.
Stevens saw Berry’s potential early on. “I knew in middle school. I watched her game development and evolve over the years,” she said. Those middle school games were actually the first of Berry’s young career. She started playing basketball only four years ago as a seventh grader, and it didn’t take long for her to realize her talent. “It took a little time, like it took a year. When I started working for real and started getting like exposure, that’s when I knew,” Berry said.
Last season, Berry joined Ribault’s team and got some playing time. This season, she’s taken over the starting role and leads the team in total points (323), points per game (16.2), free throws per game (76%), and three-point percentage (32%). She’s third in field goal percentage (35%). Her mentality on the court is fierce: “Just be a dog. I got to attack. I got to just kill everybody in front of me. It ain’t no second chances.”
Like Stevens, who played for Florida State, Berry aspires to play at the next level and already has two college offers. “It’s crazy. I just give all my glory to God. He just helps me with my path and just keeps encouraging me,” she said.
Berry excels academically as an honor roll student as well.
“It’s been a pleasure to coach her. Again, she’s starting to listen. She’s starting to grow as a player. She’s trusting her teammates more and it’s making us a better team,” said Stevens.
If you attend a Ribault girls basketball game, you’ll likely see Berry continuing to fall in love with the game that seems to have chosen her too.