Ross sets scoring record with 49 points vs Banks
Sets single game record and breaks 1000 points in same season
By TODD FORREST Sentinel Writer

Sentinel photo/Todd Forrest Michael Ross set the scoring record against Banks Co. on Friday.

Michael Ross broke Trint Rich's nine year old single game scoring record with 49 points, on seven three-pointers in Union's victory over Banks County, last Friday night in Blairsville. Ross scored 26 points in the opening quarter but only managed two points in the second frame for a total of 28 at the half. After a ten point third, Ross needed just nine points to tie the record. Then with just under two minutes left, Ross scored points number 48 and 49 on a layup to give him the record. "The record couldn't have been broken by a better kid or a better representative of Union County basketball," said Coach Tim Hunter.

Earlier this season, Ross scored his 1000th career point in a win over Polk Co. TN in the Towns County Christmas Tournament. The basket came on a mid-range jumper during the fourth quarter of Union's third and final game of the tournament. Although a the coaches, scorekeepers, and media knew that Ross was getting close, Ross didn't want to know how close he was to the milestone. "To tell the truth I never knew how close I was until the beginning of the fourth quarter", said Ross, "but after that I just wanted to reach it. It was a huge relief, (to finally score point number 1000) after I reached that milestone I could finally start to focus on just playing the game again." Other than his basket to break the scoring record, Ross was asked about the most memorable basket of his career, "It would have to be hitting a three with 2 seconds left to send us into over time at Andrews during my sophomore year and there was also a few dunks here and there."

Before Ross the last two Panthers to score 1000 career points were Jack Lance (1994- 98) and Michael Adams (1999- 2003). Both of them have had a positive impact on Ross' career, "I remember both of them having the same competitive drive and being all around good guys. I still talk to both of them a pretty good bit and both of them have always been there to help me with my game and give me advice when I need it," said Ross.

Ross has always been a very competitive athlete whose motivation comes from his competitive drive. "I can't stand to lose at anything" said Ross. "My dad has always been my role model on and off the court and that will never change. I look up to him in every way imaginable." Ross is planning on playing college ball and has considered going into the coaching profession just like his father, the late Alan Ross. "I've always thought about coaching and I think I would enjoy that a lot after my playing days are done." When asked about the best advice that he had been given from Coach Hunter, Ross answered, "focus on becoming the player I can be and not the player I am today." Ross has said that after his career at Union County is over he would like to be remembered as an all-around player that was willing to do anything to help his team.