Meet Ardrey Kell senior basketball player Brock Rose
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Brock Rose is a 6′ 6″ senior and shooting guard for the Ardrey Kell boy’s basketball team.
Pre-Game Ritual:
Brock Rose: Before every game I pray during the national anthem, and knock on the wooden floor right before tipoff for good luck.
When I’m not playing basketball I’m:
Rose: Hanging out with family and friends or playing golf.
The only thing bigger than Brock Rose’s shoes is his heart; the Ardrey Kell senior is known around school and the South Charlotte area for his generosity toward his community and his character of integrity. That strength of character was certainly tested throughout his basketball career. Though he started in 2nd grade, he didn’t always enjoy the success he has of late. “When I was in 7th grade, I didn’t make the team,” he says. Instead of throwing in the towel, though, he took a position as the team manager and stayed committed to the team and sport. For the rest of middle school and into 9th grade, Brock spent a lot of time on the bench, some games not even playing at all. Still, he didn’t give up.
It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that Brock tapped into his true potential. “COVID was a blessing in disguise,” he says. “All the gyms were closed, but I found an outdoor court that would become my second home.” When school was online his 10th grade year, he stayed fresh with 5:30am-7am practices in South Carolina with Coach ED and Coach Jones, and 8:00pm-10:00pm workouts with ACE Skill Development Coach O’Neil. “The best advice I have ever received was from my AAU coach Ed Hammonds. He said, ‘Don’t get outworked; someone else is always in the gym.’ This changed my mentality and motivated me to get better each day.”
Finally, Brock’s hard work began to pay off. “I was one of only two players to make varsity.” The next year would be his breakout year, where he would be awarded Most Improved Player, All Conference First Team and Charlotte Observer Player of the Week. He credits coach Mike Craft for developing him as a player the past two years. “He is a huge mentor for me, and he really wants what’s best for me. He has invested in me and supported me through the highs and lows.”
His senior year has been comprised of both highs and lows; a bad sprain left him out of several games, and recruiting screeched to a halt as he went through intensive rehabilitation. However, he met all of his personal goals for the season despite the setback. “My goals before senior season were to be nominated for Conference Player of the Year, average 20 points per game, and find happiness even in the challenges of the season.” He did all of that and more, but for Brock, the real wins have nothing to do with the scoreboard. “The thing I love most about basketball is not the game, it’s the relationships formed throughout the season. My favorite part is going out to eat after games, sitting in the locker room after practice and talking for hours. I have made some of my best friends through basketball, it’s like a brotherhood.”
Now that his high school career is over, he reflects on the intangibles that being a part of a team has taught him. “It taught me how to be selfless, accountable, and a leader.” That is evident to everyone not only through his leadership in the game, but off the court as well. He has participated in several 5Ks in support of classmate Kyle Branscom and his nonprofit Kyle’s Corner. He also has a heart for the underprivileged, participating in many food drives, turkey drives, and making deliveries to local homeless shelters.
No matter what team is lucky enough to land Brock Rose next year, he can rest assured all of his South Charlotte neighbors are cheering him on and are proud to call him our own.
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