Michael Ross, family honored at All-Star Game
By TODD FORREST Sentinel writer

Union County Senior Michael Ross made history by participating in the North-South All-Star Basketball Game in Savannah last Sunday. Ross became the first and only thirdgeneration participant in the history of this event. Michael's grandfather, Mr. Kenneth Ross coached the North squad in 1989 while the head coach at Murray County in Chatsworth, Ga. where he coached for 35 years.

Michael's father, the late Alan Ross played in the 1976 game. Alan Ross played at Murray County for his father Kenneth. Alan Ross became the head basketball coach at Union County in the early-80's. Ross then returned in 1992 and coached the Union County Middle School boys until 1994 when he became the head boys varsity coach from 1994-97. Coach Ross rejuvenated the Union County boys team and took a 21 loss team in 1994-95 and turned them into a 21 win team and the sub-region champs just two seasons later in 1996-97. Union's boys have rolled off eleven straight winning seasons since Ross turned the program around.

Michael will graduate from Union County High School this spring. Michael's Panther teams won 73 games during his four years at U.C.H.S. an average of just over 18 wins per season. Ross also scored 1253 points during his career at Union County and led the team in scoring during his Sophomore and Senior seasons. Ross will graduate with the single game scoring record of 49 points, the career three-point record, and is the co-holder of the single game three-point record with nine three-pointers in a single game. A feat that he accomplished twice during his career at Union County.

Kenneth, Alan, and Michael Ross were honored in a ceremony before the game and Kenneth was given the honor of tossing up the ceremonial tip-off. "It was an awesome feeling to see my grandfather get to throw up the jump ball," said Michael. "I know he felt just as excited as I did from the look on his face. It was an awesome honor for all of my family, it really helped me appreciate the moment." Michael was unaware of the pre-game ceremony for his family until right before the tip. "I had no idea until they pulled me to the side and told us what was going on. [Going] back to the bench after the introduction with my Grandfather and having my whole team greet and congratulate us helped me get hyped up."

As for the game, Michael scored three points in 10 minutes of play. Ross' three points came on a three-pointer. Coach Tim Hunter was a coordinator for the North squad and was impressed with Michael's performance. "Michael took some good shots and didn't force anything. Overall he had a good week. He played smart and received some exposure."

The talent level in a game like this is so unbelievable that it took some getting used to for Ross but he quickly settled in. "At first it was a whole other world," said Ross. The talent down there doesn't come into the mountains very often." The game was a tremendous learning experience for Ross. Competing against other future college players allowed Michael to learn what he needs to work on to star at the next level. "There will always be something in my game that needs to improve or I would like to make stronger. I have no doubt in my mind that I can play at the next level but I'm going to have to work out hard this summer and practice non stop to be at the level that I want to be. This weekend was more of an honor than recruiting trip. Two of the colleges that are recruiting me were there to watch the game. It was just cool to be around people that are the best at what they do and that love to play ball as much as I do."

Besides being honored along with his father and grandfather, Michael's highlight of the weekend was being able to meet new people and make some new friends. "Overall, the whole weekend is something I would never give up," said Ross. "Only 24 players from the entire state get to experience this every year and I'm honored that I was one of the players chosen."

Coach Hunter said recently that Michael's work ethic was the best he's ever seen and that's what makes him such a special player and person. "I'd like to thank Coach Hunter for that statement," said Ross. "Of course this weekend proved to me that I can play with the best of the best and helped boost my confidence a lot. In fact I started a new weight program the day after returning. My dad has and will always be my motivation, he worked so hard to improve himself in all aspects of life and I firmly believe that has carried over to me. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to improve as a player and a person. I remember my dad always telling me when I wasn't working that there was someone out there outworking me, and I never want that to be the case, I never want to be out done because I was out worked.

Michael will always be remembered as one of the greatest athletes to ever put on a Union County uniform. He is just one of those special players that doesn't come around very often. However, a lot of people don't realize what a special person he is. He is wise beyond his 18 years. His parents have instilled him the values that it takes to succeed in all aspects of life. All of us Panther fans that have followed his career since Rec ball would like to wish him the best of luck no matter which path he chooses. It's not going to be the same not seeing Michael Ross in a Union County jersey next season.