Abby Turner got a text to go to the coach’s office for a meeting. Like any teenager, the Three Rivers basketball walk-on and Poplar Bluff alumna was nervous. Was she in trouble? What did she do? Three Rivers coach Alex Wiggs told the 6-foot, 2-inch freshman, that he had noticed all the hard work she had been putting in on her own time, and he would like to offer her a scholarship. “I was so happy. I’m pretty sure I had a smile from ear to ear because I was so excited about it,” Turner said.

With Three Rivers bringing back a pair of 6-2 sophomores in Jamiyah Thomas and Kalyssa Hollis, and Wiggs focused on recruiting athletes to replace five sophomore guards — Deanay Watson, Jordan Little, Katelyn South, Hannah Thurmon, An’Nyah Pettus. The roster also lost 6-4 freshman forward Brogan Jones, who transferred to Central Baptist College. “Abby’s got the potential.

She’s got everything,” Wiggs said. “I think she’s one of those kids who could possibly have a better college career than high school career because of the amount of work that we will be able to do.” Wiggs added that Turner has good hands and good footwork around the basket. “I’ve watched Poplar Bluff quite a few times, and she got better every year,” he said. “I think that she will be a great key to our puzzle.” Turner said with coronavirus and everything that’s going on, she was hoping for a scholarship next year, but wasn’t expecting a scholarship offer this summer.

After the meeting, she called her dad. “Me and him share that love for the game,” Turner said. “He was super excited too. It was just a good moment that I shared with him.” Turner added that her shooting form and range has improved since Poplar Bluff’s season ended in March. “I went from being a post player in high school to now, (Wiggs) has me working on my 3-point game in college,” Turner said. “(A scholarship) just makes me want to work harder and prove that I’m worth it. It makes me just want to better myself.” 

Scott Borkgren - Daily American Republic