Torrin Ross: A Faithful Leader Leaving His Mark on East Basketball

After a win at their recent crosstown game against Oswego High School, boys basketball is shooting their shot at Athlete of the Week. Senior Torrin Ross has been highlighted by his coach, Ryan Velasquez as a strong example of the E.A.S.T. values: Excellence, Academics, Spirit, and Tradition.

Since first grade, Torrin has been putting his heart and soul into all things basketball. From practicing drills to playing games, he has improved at a fast rate, making him one to watch on East’s team. Ross hopes to win the conference and make it to state with his team to make history for East’s boys' basketball.

Head boy’s basketball coach Ryan Velasquez thinks that Torrin Ross is the epitome of a strong student-athlete and embodies sportsmanship creating a role model for others.

“One of our standards is to help a player off the floor, and he'll be the first one to go help a teammate up, whether it's from our team or the other team,” Velasquez said. “It just shows really good sportsmanship that he's a competitor, but he's going to respect his opponent.”

As Ross goes throughout the season, he always is driven to become a better player and the best on the court as his teammates play a major role in his journey.

“The people around me encourage me to work harder because there’s always somebody else working just as hard as you or harder, and the constant development of other players makes me want to do better than them,” Ross said.

As Ross has an exceptional drive and grit, he always has the people in his life to guide him in the right direction for his future whether that's the last few minutes on the court or the next four years in his life.

Ross’s parents, Michelle and Troy Ross have created a supportive environment for Torrin to follow his basketball and career goals, while also applying faith to his day-to-day life as he evolves as a player and a person.

“Torrin’s faith has always been a pinnacle in everything he does from an early age, from family, life, school and Basketball,” Ross’s parents said. “Torrin knows that putting his faith in prayer before everything will bring forth the most positive results in all areas of his life.”

Ross has several sources of encouragement from at school, home, and God. As his attitude and leadership has led him to stand out as an athlete and player we hope to see history made by Ross with his team beside him.

Within Ross’s years here at East, he has printed his paw and created a standard for East’s boy’s basketball.

“I remember when Torrin was a freshman here, and every year he's taken the step in the right direction, just maturing, growing on and off the basketball court,” Velaquez said. “Now in his senior year, he's a competitor, and one that we can count on to give his best every single night.”

From his freshman basketball season to playing his last games wearing a Wolves jersey, Ross has made a difference. After graduation, Ross plans to pursue a future in law, which has been shaped by taking a business law class at East and his family's connections to the industry.

“Torrin has expressed a strong interest in law. With that being said, Torrin has many family members that are attorneys that he can gain a wealth of information to further guide him through the process,” Michelle and Troy Ross said.

With family being one of Torrin’s core values, it’s no surprise that his college decision is a difficult one. Ross is heavily inspired by his brother, causing him to struggle with a decision between following his sibling’s footsteps or competing at the collegiate level.

“I would like to attend the University of Arizona because one of my brothers goes there, but if I decide to continue playing basketball, I want to play somewhere like North Central because they have a good school for basketball at the D3 level,” Ross said.

Wherever Ross decides to go next year, he will always be near the people in his life who helped shape him into who he is today. Ross has made a difference in the East boy’s basketball program and leaves everyone thrilled to see where he ends up in his future.

“I think what we are most proud of is Torrin’s Faith, honesty, passion and integrity and as an all-around good person he will contribute and make a positive impact on our society,” Michelle and Troy Ross said.

Written by Senior Devin Hatch and Junior Allie Heren. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.