Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week: Dundee-Crown’s Jared Russell

Name: Jared Russell

School: Dundee-Crown

Sport: Basketball

Why he was selected: Russell, a senior guard, tied a school record with 10 3-pointers in a 70-41 Fox Valley Conference win against Crystal Lake Central on Jan. 17.

For his performance, Russell was selected as the Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Woodstock co-op boys bowler Levi Perrotta, Richmond-Burton wrestler Emmett Nelson and Crystal Lake Central basketball player Ruby Macke also were nominated.

Russell answered a few questions from Northwest Herald sports editor Alex Kantecki.

What do you remember most about your big 3-point game?

Russell: I remember the other team calling a timeout after I hit a couple of 3s in a row and all of my teammates chest bumping me and giving me high fives. I also remember at halftime my teammate Terrion [Spencer] saying, “We’re going to get you that record.” When the game was over I just remember being happy that we got a great team win. To celebrate, me and my family went and got an extra large pizza from Rosati’s.

How many shots do you put up in a day?

Russell: On days where we have practice, I like to take around 150 shots after practice and on off days or weekends I like to go and put up at least around 400 shots.

What sport are you just not good at?

Russell: Bowling, If I bowl a 100, I’ll be pumped.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

Russell: I met Ozzie Smith at the airport once. He talked to me and my family, gave us a signed card and signed my hat as well. He was a great guy, even though he gave us a hard time for being Cubs fans.

What is your favorite professional sports team?

Russell: I like all Chicago teams, but the Bears are my favorite.

What are some good words to live by?

Russell: I think some good words to live by are always stay humble and kind, along with hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

What is your most prized possession?

Russell: I don’t really have a prized possession. I am just grateful for everything I have and all of those around me.

What was the last really good movie you saw in a theater?

Russell: “Gladiator 2.”

What scares you?

Russell: Horror movies that have a lot of jump scares.

If you could spend a day with anybody from history, who would it be?

Russell: I would love to spend a day with Jesus Christ.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Russell: I know quite a few magic tricks thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I can also juggle. I am also bilingual and fluent in Spanish.