Village Christian’s DaiJa Turner aims to build off historic season
By Rodd Baxley
Staff writer FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER
DaiJa Turner burst onto the scene in her first year at Village Christian Academy, becoming a triple-double machine for the Knights.
Despite being selected as the 2020 Best of 910Preps Female Athlete of the Year, Turner feels like she has even more to prove entering her final prep season.
“Coming in on my senior season feels so unreal — feels like I was a freshman last year,” said Turner, who had 16 triple-double performances in 22 games for Village.
“My motivation and drive this season is going to be so much bigger than it’s ever been. Knowing that this is my last high school season, I’m going to make sure I leave my mark. This is going to be another chapter in my books.”
The 6-foot-3 rising senior grew up in Fayetteville but started her prep career in South Korea. She averaged 17.8 points, 21.6 rebounds and 11.7 blocks to earn the nickname “Triple-Double Daija” as a junior for the Knights.
She also led the nation with 257 blocks while finishing second in the country in rebounding (476), according to MaxPreps.
As one of the top honorees during the show, Turner heard her name called by three-time NBA champion Steph Curry and reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.
“To hear Steph Curry and Patrick Mahomes say my name for the awards I got was so rewarding,” she said.
“It felt amazing not only to receive those awards but to also have big-time athletes like them call out my name. It was such an honor and still can’t believe it.”
And she started with a bang in Fayetteville.
In her debut for the Knights, Turner scored 31 points, grabbed 24 rebounds and blocked 10 shots. Village Christian finished the year with a 13-11 record, including a 6-4 mark in the Sandhills Conference. The Knights advanced to the second round of the NCISAA 3-A playoffs.
Turner, who was selected for The Associated Press allstate team, announced her commitment to Virginia
Tech via Twitter on May 14.
As she turns the page on her junior campaign, Turner said staying humble and determined will be keys to repeating as player of the year in 2021.
“I have not yet reached my full potential and I have somuchmoretoprove,”she said. “I’m not done yet.” Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
By Rodd Baxley
Staff writer FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER
DaiJa Turner burst onto the scene in her first year at Village Christian Academy, becoming a triple-double machine for the Knights.
Despite being selected as the 2020 Best of 910Preps Female Athlete of the Year, Turner feels like she has even more to prove entering her final prep season.
“Coming in on my senior season feels so unreal — feels like I was a freshman last year,” said Turner, who had 16 triple-double performances in 22 games for Village.
“My motivation and drive this season is going to be so much bigger than it’s ever been. Knowing that this is my last high school season, I’m going to make sure I leave my mark. This is going to be another chapter in my books.”
The 6-foot-3 rising senior grew up in Fayetteville but started her prep career in South Korea. She averaged 17.8 points, 21.6 rebounds and 11.7 blocks to earn the nickname “Triple-Double Daija” as a junior for the Knights.
She also led the nation with 257 blocks while finishing second in the country in rebounding (476), according to MaxPreps.
As one of the top honorees during the show, Turner heard her name called by three-time NBA champion Steph Curry and reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.
“To hear Steph Curry and Patrick Mahomes say my name for the awards I got was so rewarding,” she said.
“It felt amazing not only to receive those awards but to also have big-time athletes like them call out my name. It was such an honor and still can’t believe it.”
And she started with a bang in Fayetteville.
In her debut for the Knights, Turner scored 31 points, grabbed 24 rebounds and blocked 10 shots. Village Christian finished the year with a 13-11 record, including a 6-4 mark in the Sandhills Conference. The Knights advanced to the second round of the NCISAA 3-A playoffs.
Turner, who was selected for The Associated Press allstate team, announced her commitment to Virginia
Tech via Twitter on May 14.
As she turns the page on her junior campaign, Turner said staying humble and determined will be keys to repeating as player of the year in 2021.
“I have not yet reached my full potential and I have somuchmoretoprove,”she said. “I’m not done yet.” Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
