A Gibbs gunner or a Corryton cannon?
“A basketball gym rat is a player who is dedicated to improving their game by spending a lot of time in the gym. The term ‘gym rat’ is a sign of respect for players who are constantly improving their game.”
– Webster’s Dictionary
By Steve Williams
Zack Turner scored a school record 48 points in a 78-71 loss to Hardin Valley Academy in Gibbs High School’s Thanksgiving championship game on Nov. 30.
That’s an impressive output, but was it just a one-night show?
As John Ward, the late great UT play-by-play announcer often answered, “No sir-reeee!”
Zack’s record performance had fans reacting on social media. Former Gibbs High football and basketball standout Stuart Donahue posted: “How does 50 sound?”
“Awesome!!!!” said an Eagle rooter.
“He was on fire Saturday!” added another.
Since then, the Gibbs senior point guard / shooting guard has played 10 games – almost a third of the 2024-25 season – and was averaging 26.1 points going into Saturday’s game against Clinton.
Before Zack’s big night, he swished the nets for 33 points at Northview Academy, and then afterward he poured in 36 back in Corryton against Jefferson County.
If Turner keeps up this scoring rate, he could be in the running for a Mr. Basketball award.
If you know Turner’s game, you already knew he’s not a one-trick pony. As a first team honoree on The Knoxville Focus / Coaches’ All-Knox County team last season, he averaged 7.3 assists per game – second highest in the county – and ranked No. 3 with a 21.4 scoring average. His versatility helped him stuff his stat sheet too with 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 steals per contest.
And don’t sell him short just because he’s 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds. His shooting eyes must be 20-20 and his motor never seems to stop.
Through the first seven games this season, Zack was connecting on 50 percent of his field goal attempts, 40 percent on 3-pointers, 56 percent on 2-point shots and 73 percent at the free throw line.
“Zack is an extremely talented basketball player, but he is also extremely competitive in the classroom,” said Coach Aaron Large. “He is a young man that is very conscious of his grades and GPA.
“He is one of the guys on our team that is always willing to lend a hand when we volunteer our time helping in the community as well.”
Zack has grown up in a sports family with parents who have been teachers and coaches. His father, Brad, is the head football coach at Gibbs and strength and conditioning teacher. His mom, Amanda, is a pharmaceutical rep and previously coached volleyball at Gibbs.
Brad played baseball at Carson-Newman and Amanda played volleyball and softball at C-N. His sister Megan was a standout softball and volleyball player at Gibbs and went on to play volleyball at MTSU.
In addition to basketball, Zack loves helping with Special Olympics at Gibbs and has been involved with that program for several years.
“As for basketball, I am a team-first player,” Turner tells college recruiters. “I get excited when my teammate makes a good play. I am willing to help the team in whatever role that may be. I am a competitor and I want to win.”
Zack reached the 1,000-point level on the first day of December last year. He’s also been a three-time All-District player and was District MVP last season.
“He started playing basketball at age four and has played ever since,” said his dad. “He also started AAU basketball in the second grade and finished his AAU career this past summer.”
Coach Large said Turner is blessed to already have an offer to play college basketball at Milligan University.
“He is going to make the team he decides to sign with considerably better from Day 1,” added Large. “A college coach is going to get a true gym rat. The coach is going to get someone that will go above and beyond expectations and will push his teammates to become better each day.
“The best thing about Zack as an athlete is that he’s a winner. He will do whatever it takes to win each game and each day.”
