Shipley sophomore guard Lauren Ross is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The sophomore guard, who scored 39 points in a win against West Catholic last month, is averaging 16.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.4 spg and 5.4 apg for the Gators (8-3). A lifelong guard, she is shooting 41 percent from the three-point line.
Q: Tell us a little about the game in which you scored 39 points against West Catholic. What was working particularly well for you that game? Did you get a sense that it was going to be a productive game for you during pre-game warm-ups?
A: I think the great part of that game was it seemed like everything was going well for me. I was able to hit from deep and mid-range, yet still get to the rim and free throw line with ease. I went into the game feeling like it was just another game. I made as many shots as I missed in warm-ups, so there weren’t any signs of the game I was going to have.
Q: What in your opinion is the biggest key to being a good rebounder?
A: I think the biggest key in being a good rebounder is just wanting it more. I think prediction is a factor, but in the end whoever wants it more normally gets it.
Q: Last year, Shipley advanced to the PAISAA championship final. Can you share with us your most memorable moment as a member of the Shipley girls’ basketball team to date, and what made it so special?
A: I think the most memorable moment I have had with the Shipley girls’ basketball is when we beat the No. 1 seed, GA, in the first round of PAISAA tournament. We were able to go into their house, and get the win. The energy we got from our crowd and bench made it one of the most exciting games I’ve ever played in. Everyone had counted us out before the game had even started, so it was big for us.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game, and what part of your game are you currently working on the most?
A: I think the strongest part of my game right now is getting into the paint, and either finishing or dishing it off to a wide open teammate. I’m also really working on being more consistent from 3.
Q: Who have been your most important basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: My biggest mentors in my basketball career have been an early coach, Jim Downey, and my father. Both of them not only improved my skills, but also instilled in me my will to win. They also both ensured that I had thick skin along the way. Now, Coach Sean [Shipley head coach Sean Costello] is helping me further develop my game.
Q: Where did you get your start playing basketball?
A: I first started playing in all around leagues on older teams with my older brother.
Q: You wear No. 14 for Shipley. Is there a reason you chose that number – does it carry any special significance to you?
A: I figured a number worn by players like Jameer Nelson and my brother wasn’t a bad choice.
Q: Who are your favorite basketball players?
A: My favorite current player is Kyrie Irving. He is always calm under pressure and it allows him to make the tough shots. I admire and envy that.
Q: What is your favorite basketball venue and why?
A: My favorite basketball venue would have to be the Yarnall Gymnasium. When the whole school comes out for games, the energy in the gym makes it the best place to play.
Q: You’ve attended Shipley for five years. Why did you decide to go there? What (in your opinion) is the best thing about being a Shipley student?
A: The top notch education and family like atmosphere immediately drew me to the school. The best thing about being a Shipley Student is definitely the support that everyone in the school gives.
Q: What is your favorite school subject(s)? What do you think you might like to major in at college?
A: My favorite subjects are Spanish and Modern European History. I would like to major in business in college.
Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved in at Shipley other than basketball? What sparked your interest in these activities?
A: I’m involved in a chess club and a business club. I used to play chess with my family when I was younger and business is something I look to do in the future.
Fun facts – Lauren Ross
Favorite author: John Green.
Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy.
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans.
Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Bounce Back by Big Sean.
Favorite place to visit: Hawaii.
Birth date: Jan. 11.
Birth place: Philadelphia
Family members: Michelle Ross (mom), Monte’ Ross (dad), Justin Ross (brother).
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
