Oliver working to become even bigger threat for Lady Trojans

Trinity Oliver had an outstanding sophomore campaign for the Trinity girls basketball team, earning co-defensive player of the year and first-team honors for District 7-6A.

Since the season ended, Oliver has been working hard with her select team, Texas Adidas Elite, and in offseason workouts with an eye on coming back even stronger next season.

“I've been practicing and playing hard to perfect my game,” she said. “I'm going to a few college basketball camps this summer and actually got back from a team camp.”

Along the way, she's been playing for her select team for the past four years, which includes playing with fellow 2017 forward Lexi Gordon of L.D. Bell, who tried out for the national team.

“Playing with the select girls is always fun. We challenge each other during practice to prepare for our games,” Oliver said. “Seeing Lexi try out for the national team was awesome, she's a close friend.”

“I'm always happy for the success and accomplishments of other female athletes.”

Gordon and Oliver are rivals at times in district, where the Lady Trojans finished in second place and won their bi-district game against DeSoto.

“Last season, I learned so much. I learned to trust my body movement and how to be confident in myself,” Oliver said. “I learned to play my game against all types of competition.”

She also had a rare stat line on Jan. 9 – going for 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, five steals and five blocks – good for what's known as the “five by five,” which is one reason she was also named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 6A All-State team.

The junior-to-be says select and high school are two totally different styles of basketball, with select being played at a faster pace.

“The thing that's beneficial for me is that I have two very experienced coaches on both teams in Bill Franey and Trinity's Sue Cannon,” she said.

“Things I learned from select is that there is tough competition everywhere, and I get to see how recruiting works on and off the court.”

Oliver has had a busy offseason and will have a busier summer. Along with basketball, she got hired to her first job and officially became a licensed driver.

As for next season, Oliver can't wait for it to begin at Trinity.

“Next season I'm looking forward to developing my level of play. I anticipate growth and becoming a stronger player at all aspects of the game,” she said. “I'm confident with my inside game and my mid-range jumper.

“I'd like to perfect my outside shot and execute it in the games. I'll be ready for the next level,” she said.

This story was originally published June 8, 2015 at 6:45 PM with the headline "Oliver working to become even bigger threat for Lady Trojans."