Turquoise Sampson transfers from Mitchell to be with old friends and play for the Buccaneers.
By JAMAL THALJI
Published March 10, 2004
NEW PORT RICHEY - Sophomore Turquoise Sampson, one of the county's top young basketball talents, has transferred from the county's newest school, Mitchell, to one of its oldest, Gulf.
Sampson said she switched schools Feb.27 under the district's school choice policy to be with friends from middle school. The move could change the balance of power in Pasco County.
"I just wanted something different," said Sampson, 16.
The 5-foot-8 Sampson played off guard for the 12-12 Mustangs this season, who finished third in the three-team Class 5A, District 5 tourney. Second-seeded Mitchell was upset 45-36 in the district semifinals by No.3 River Ridge.
But Sampson is better suited to play inside. She led the Mustangs in scoring (10.3 points a game), steals (2.5) and assists (1.4) and was second in rebounding (5.5).
Sampson said she will play at Gulf, and in doing so she will give the Buccaneers a formidable trio of underclassmen next season.
Sophomore center Tiara Cook led the county in scoring and rebounding, averaging 19.8 points and 13.6 rebounds a game. Freshman point guard Dominique English (16.4 points, 6.9 assists and rebounds and 5.3 steals) in her injury-shortened debut. Together they led Gulf and first-year coach Mike Quarto to a 17-8 record and the brink of the playoffs; the Bucs lost 42-41 to Wesley Chapel in the district semifinals.
But the Bucs still had more wins than the previous three seasons combined, and it was the program's best showing since going 16-12 in 1998-99.
Historically it has been Gulf seeing players depart. Forward Lacey Arens and guard Angela Dodd transferred to Mitchell for the 2001-02 season, decimating the Bucs and helping the Mustangs make their first playoff appearance.
Graduation will cost powers Ridgewood, Pasco and Land O'Lakes key players, which could leave Gulf as the county favorite in 2004-05.
Because she transferred last month, Sampson will be eligible to participate in the Bucs' summer basketball program. Under the county's school choice policy, any student may transfer as long as their new school's enrollment is not capped. The school district does not require, nor ask for, a reason.
Sampson said she would have transferred last year if not for her mother.
"I wanted to switch schools last year," Sampson said, "but my mom told me to just stay another year."
At the school, Sampson said she has been reunited with friends from Seven Springs Middle School.
Quarto said he has spoken briefly to Sampson.
"I know she transferred to the school here and we talked in the hallways a couple of times," he said. "She just seems like a nice kid."
Mitchell coach Stephanie Baldwin said she has not spoken to Sampson. The coach had little comment.
"On behalf of Mitchell High School," Baldwin said, "we wish her goodbye and good luck."
