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Schools

Whiz Kid: Torin Childs-Harris

Torin Childs-Harris is a star on the basketball court and a winner in the classroom.

If you’re a fan of the Whalers basketball team—and who isn’t?—you’re already familiar with this week’s Whiz Kid. At 17, senior Torin Childs-Harris is one of the centerpieces of ’s state championship-winning team. But though you probably know his stats--in four years at New London High School, Torin scored better than 1,600 points and has 99 wins to his credit--did you know he’s also an honors student?  

How long have you been playing basketball?

Ever since I was old enough to pick up one, that’s how long. I can’t even remember.

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You told me you’ve been playing on a team since fourth grade. Which position is your favorite?

I’ve probably played every position on the floor. I play point guard, shooting guard, I basically play everything. Shooting guard is my favorite.

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What would you say your strengths are as a player?

I think scoring and creating plays.

The Whalers were strongly favored to win the championship. Did that put a lot of pressure on the team?

It wasn’t really pressure for me. As long as we played hard, I knew we could win. The first round, that’s when all the pressure came, when we almost lost. That hit me more than the game against Maloney. The first game in the second round, the pressure was on that game.

What was the best moment and what was the toughest moment for you this season?

The best moment, probably, was just winning the state championship. The lowest was probably hurting my back against Stratford in the first play of the season. That was the worst moment. It was hard because of [the thought of] maybe sitting out the season. It just got better right before the classic.

How did you get through it?

I had to learn how to play through it. I just had to play through it.  

How influential are your coaches and who do you look to as a mentor?

This year my coaches were great. I think I had all around just great coaches this year, coaching us and getting us where we need to be. If I look at my life, I would say my uncle Jarion--who played for Fitch--I’d say he’s my biggest mentor and my uncle James Childs. Basketball-wise, those have been my mentors. My mother, she’s always been there for me. I just thank my mother for everything.

How many days a week do you play basketball?

It’s every day, unless I have to do something with my family. Every day is dedicated to basketball.  

You made first honors last semester. How do you manage to maintain good grades with such a hectic basketball schedule?

On my free time right after school I make sure I hit the books and when I get home after practice, I hit the books. 

What are your favorite subjects?  

My favorite subjects are physics and calculus.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I’m kind of young to be a senior--I turned 17 in October. I’m looking at prep schools right now. I really haven’t made a choice yet.

Do you have any particular college in mind or any ideas about what you might like to major in?

I have no college in mind. There are a lot of things I’ve been thinking about [majoring in]: sports medicine, criminal justice--probation or a lawyer. I want to help people get out of trouble that really need it.

Do you think you might like to play basketball professionally?

Yeah. Right now I’m just working hard to get where I need to go and where I’m trying to go is pro.

Have any scouts come to see you play?

I had a few, but I want to keep focused on my season.

What is your favorite basketball team and, if you could play professionally for any team, which would it be?

Miami Heat. I used to like the Lakers but I followed Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) to Miami and stayed with Miami. I like Florida and I’m from down south, so that’s where I want to be.

Where did live before you moved to New London and when did you come here?

I moved freshman year from Virginia Beach. I had to get used to the weather, to a lot of things. I had to get used to everything, the people, the coaching up here is different--everything is different. [But] it was fairly easy. I had friends who moved up here. I just wanted to come up here and play basketball.

Looking back, how would you sum up your basketball career so far?

With 99 [winning] games in my four years in New London, 1,615 points, two state championships and one state championship win, it’s just a great four years. It’s just nice. I’ve had a lot of fun playing with the people--a great and fun four years.  

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