James Wood High School 17-year-old senior
Sport: Basketball. Position: Forward
Parents: Erin and Jonathan Russell
Hometown: Clear Brook
What do you love about basketball?: The friends that you make. And the places that you get to go, especially if you do travel basketball. It’s always fun to travel around.
Most memorable moment in basketball: Hitting the game-tying shot at the Sherando game [this season] to send us into overtime, and then we beat them. (Russell hit a 14-foot turnaround jumper with 10.5 seconds left in regulation and had 24 points, 16 rebounds and four steals in a 46-41 win.) It was a tough shot, and I was glad it went in.
Most embarrassing moment in basketball: It’s probably when the lines [on the court for different levels of basketball confuse you]. Sometimes they get you good, and you look like an idiot. You just have to laugh it off.
Most difficult moment in basketball: When you lose your headspace, and your confidence goes down. You’re not confident in your shot, your drive, your defense. You just have to push through it, knowing that your confidence will be back eventually.
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: My grammy Donna on my dad’s side; because she died when I was pretty young. I’d love for her to see the woman that I’ve become. My great-grandparents on my mom’s side; they both have died, and I would love to show them the person I’m going to be.
Biggest athletic influence: My dad. From a young age, he’s been there, supporting me, pushing me. I love him for that. I’ve become a better basketball player because of him.
Favorite teacher: I’ve had great math teachers in high school, but my favorite would probably be Ms. [Seneca] Sowers, my Honors Algebra 2 teacher last year. She’s just an easygoing, nice person to talk to. Her class was definitely hard, but I liked how she pushed us.
Favorite athlete: [Pittsburgh Penguins center] Sidney Crosby
Favorite team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite movie: “Red”
Favorite TV show: “Sweet Magnolias”
Favorite song: “You Look Like You Love Me” by Ella Langley and Riley Green
Favorite food: My dad’s steak or chicken that he grills.
Worst thing you’ve eaten: Brussels sprouts
Plans after high school: I’m verbally committed for a full-ride scholarship to [play basketball for NCAA Division II] Salem University in West Virginia. I’m going to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology-Physiology & Exercise Science. When I’ve been hurt, I just loved working with athletic trainers. I also go to PRO Motion [in Winchester]. I love what they do with helping athletes rehabilitate and get better.
— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki