Pikeville senior Trinity Rowe doesn't think about the Miss Basketball voting but admits it "would be over the moon" to win that honor. (Tonia Witt/Rise Up Sports)
Once the All “A” Classic ended, Trinity Rowe knew her high school basketball career was rapidly coming to an end.
The Pikeville senior guard has been a five-year starter and part of four 15th Region championships. The Panthers are 18-3 this season and their only loss to a Kentucky team came against Covington Holy Cross in the All “A” Classic state title game.
“I am trying to take a little bit of time to think back on everything,” said Rowe. “I am still super excited for my future but I know one chapter is closing that has been a very important part of my life. A new chapter is coming but I started playing on this team in seventh grade and we won four straight regionals until last year. It has been a great ride.”
How great?
The Miss Basketball candidate recently became only the fifth player in state history to go over 1,000 career assists. She has 1,022 going into tonight’s game against Shelby Valley. She should finish third on the all-time list behind Jamie Walz of Highlands (1,354) and Amber Guffey of Clinton County (1,272). Currently also ahead of her are Camryn Whitaker of Harrison County (1,044) and Ally Collett of South Laurel (1,029).
Rowe has also scored 2,292 points, a school record. Other school records include 252 assists in one season, 15 assists in one game, 344 3-point goals and 113 3-pointers in one season. She has been part of 157 wins and just 32 losses in six seasons.
“I didn’t know it was such a small list of people who had 1,000 assists,” Rowe said. “It was always a goal of mine but I didn’t even know I was that close until Coach (Kristy Orem) surprised me with the game ball. I can’t take all the credit, though. There are two ends to an assist. My teammates had to make the shots.”
While she’s proud to have scored over 2,000 points, reaching 1,000 assists is more meaningful to Rowe, a Southern Mississippi signee.
“Only five people in the state have had 1,000 assists. That’s insane to me,” she said. “A lot of people have 2,000 plus points and it’s a good accomplishment. But me being a point guard, getting 1,000 assists is over the moon.”
One reason for her success is that she can use both hands equally well. She writes with her left hand and used to shoot left-handed but didn’t consistently make shots when she was younger. Her mom suggested she try shooting right-handed and it was a lot better.
“When I played softball I threw with either hand and could bat either way,” Rowe said. “When I was working out with my dad I would have to go left because he told me people would force me to go left. I had to perfect it and it actually became my preferred side. I love to go left.”
She can also accurately rifle a left-handed pass.
“I throw a football left-handed and some long passes I have to make in basketball I just do it with my left hand because it is more natural but I’ve been blessed with good teammates to catch some wild passes,” the Pikeville senior said.
Nominations for Miss Basketball are now being made and Rowe has to figure prominently in the final Miss Basketball voting with her points, assists and regional championships — and Pikeville is favored to win another 15th Region crown this year (Rowe has been the 15th Region Tournament MVP twice).
“I try not to think about it. Obviously it is in the back of mind going into the beginning of the season. It would mean a lot to get it but not it is not something I am thinking about every day,” Rowe said. “If I got it, it would be over the moon. I am not going to let it define me or take too much of my time thinking about it because I am trying to enjoy every moment I have left at Pikeville. The only time I even think about it is when it motivates me to play even harder.”
Orem certainly appreciates the time she has had with Rowe on and off the court the last six years and the many wins she has been part of at Pikeville.
“She is an elite passer and 3-point shooter that is an extension of the coaching staff on the court. She is constantly talking and leading her teammates,” Orem said. “Trin makes everyone around her better on and off the court.
“I’ve never known anyone like her. She is constantly hyping everyone around her up and leads by example. You can find her in the middle of every student section at all of our sporting events and oftentimes she will stay after and help the clean up crew. That’s just the type of kid she is.”
Rowe likes being one of the leaders of the student fan section to support her classmates.
“Anything to do with Pikeville, I will be there,” Rowe said. “As much as they all support me, I want to support them. People sometimes tell me I am just a cheerleader at heart. I always try to motivate people. I have friends with me at games and we have a good time.”
Another important part of her daily life is her faith. She grew up in the church going to services every Sunday, attending youth group each week and participating in Vacation Bible School.
“I was baptized when I was 10 years old. I try to keep my faith strong to walk with God as I get older and more mature,” she said. “He has got me through hard and good times. He is the reason for it all. He has brought me a long way. I would not be where I am without my relationship with him.
“My faith makes me the person I am walking through the hallway at school trying to show God’s light through me and I hope I have done that on the basketball court as well.”
