Legacy's big men lead Rebels basketball into playoffs

Tristine Turner and Jay Jay Starling have guided the Legacy High School boys basketball team to the postseason with their dominant play in the paint.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The 2025-26 Legacy High School boys basketball team has relied on its two big men, 6-foot-8 center Tristine Turner and 6-foot-6 forward Jay Jay Starling, to reach the Class 6A Division I playoffs. The Rebels finished in a two-way tie for second place in District 2-6A, and the duo of Turner and Starling have been instrumental in the team's success this season.

Why it matters

Legacy's height and size advantage in the frontcourt with Turner and Starling has been a key factor in the Rebels' playoff push. The team's ability to dominate the paint and control the glass has made them a tough matchup for opponents, who often struggle to counter the duo's size and athleticism.

The details

Turner, a junior, is averaging a double-double this season with 15 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Starling, a senior, has contributed 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds. The two players have complementary skill sets, with Starling being an explosive athlete who plays above the rim and Turner being a more traditional big man who also excels at finishing around the basket. When opponents try to double or triple-team Turner and Starling, it opens up opportunities for the Rebels' guards to make plays.

  • The Rebels' 69-49 road loss to Wolfforth Frenship in the District 2-6A opener put them in a two-way tie for second with Odessa Permian (7-3).
  • The Rebels visit District 1-6A champion El Paso Eastlake (28-8) in the bi-district round of the playoffs at 7 p.m. CST Tuesday.

The players

Tristine Turner

A 6-foot-8 junior center for the Legacy High School boys basketball team, averaging a double-double this season with 15 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.

Jay Jay Starling

A 6-foot-6 senior forward for the Legacy High School boys basketball team, contributing 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Chris Suttle

The head coach of the Legacy High School boys basketball team, who has guided the Rebels to the playoffs for the first time since 2024.

Braeden Quigley

A 6-foot-6 guard/forward for the El Paso Eastlake High School boys basketball team, who was a Byron Johnston Holiday Classic all-tournament selection.

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What they’re saying

“We're the two tallest people on the court, so we've got to go out and dominate.”

— Tristine Turner (mrt.com)

“Being the two strongest people on the floor, we're expected to go, catch, finish and do what we can.”

— Jay Jay Starling (mrt.com)

“Both of those guys have a unique skill set to when they get the ball deep around the rim, we like our chances of scoring the basketball.”

— Chris Suttle, Head Coach (mrt.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Legacy-El Paso Eastlake bi-district playoff game will face the winner of the North Crowley-Hurst Bell matchup in the area round.

The takeaway

Legacy's dominant duo of Tristine Turner and Jay Jay Starling have been the driving force behind the Rebels' playoff push, showcasing their size, strength, and skill in the paint. Their ability to control the game on both ends of the floor has made Legacy a formidable opponent, and the team will look to continue its postseason run against a tough El Paso Eastlake squad.