If you ever need to find senior David Jackson, a good place to check would be in Trinity Episcopal School’s gym.

The 5-foot-11 Saint is constantly working toward some kind of goal, and basketball is no exception.

“Any time the gym is open, he’s here,” Trinity coach Andy Blair said. “And any time the gym is not open, he wants it open. He might be the only person I’ve met in my whole life that hates to lose worse than I do.”

Jackson has used his determined mindset to become one of Trinity’s top players as a versatile guard. He is averaging 19 points per game and eight rebounds, leading the Saints to a notable 11-4 record so far during his senior year.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re playing a layup game, a free throw game or a real basketball game, his goal is to come out and beat you as bad as he can,” Blair said. “He’s always the last one to quit.”

His basketball abilities aren’t the only thing Jackson has developed, either. He transferred to Trinity from Jefferson County High School in the 10th grade in order to make an overall life adjustment.

“I felt like I needed a change for the better to get away from bad influences,” Jackson said. “I think I made a great decision, and I’m happy to be here.”

Since that shift, Jackson has made an effort to enhance his grades as well.

“The seriousness of academics has been something that he has made a complete turn around in,” Blair said.

While Blair has watched his player develop, he has seen just how critical it was. Jackson and his coach came to Trinity during the same year when Blair originally began as a volunteer assistant for the football team.

“We kind of grew up together,” Blair said. “He has had to overcome a lot his whole life. I do this for the kids, so in order to see him where he was when he got here three years ago to where he is today, makes it appear that what I’m doing is going to have a lasting impact. I’m super proud of the young man that he has become.”

Jackson added that his correction in attitude was something that was heavily influenced by Blair and the entire Trinity family.

“I’m realizing that you can’t play around,” he said. “(Blair) is teaching us more than basketball. He is teaching us how to be men.”