Torrence Watson '18

Athlete - Basketball

During his time at Whitfield from 2014 to 2018, Torrence Watson ‘18 displayed unparalleled talent in basketball, averaging an area-best 31.2 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists as a senior. His achievements include breaking the 50-point barrier three times, setting all-time records for career points (2,755), points in a season (893), and average points per game. 

The Gatorade State Player of the Year award was established in 1985 to recognize the nation’s most elite high school student athletes for their athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character. Torrence was named the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year after leading the Warriors to a 21-8 season and a trip to the Class 3 State Quarterfinals. He scored 51 points in the Warriors playoff loss after dropping 44 points and 31 points in the prior two games, respectively. 

Torrence is a four-time Missouri Basketball Coaches Association All-State selection. He was named Class 3 Missouri Basketball Association Player of the Year. He was rated as the third-best class of 2018 player in the state of Missouri by ESPN and the 12th best shooting guard in the country. He was also rated as a four-star shooting guard by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, and 247sports.com. Torrence led Whitfield to a Missouri Class 3 runner-up finish during his junior season. At Whitfield, he earned the Ginger Newton Jacobi Male Athlete of the Year Award in 2018.
 
Torrence continued to shine at Mizzou, setting records as a freshman with 53 made 3-pointers and making a significant impact in each subsequent season. 
 
Torrence's journey extended to Elon University for his senior year. Appearing in 20 games and making eight starts, he finished the season with a total of 184 points, 59 rebounds, and 29 assists in 503 total minutes. Ending the year ranked fourth on the team in scoring at 9.2 points per game and adding 3.0 rebounds per game, Torrence showcased his versatility on the court.

After attending Elon, Torrence continued his basketball career, signing an overseas contract to play in Palestine. Before his scheduled departure, medical exams and an MRI revealed he had torn three ligaments in his foot so he was unable to play. While rehabbing, he worked at The Back Care Clinic as a Therapy Assistant. Torrence continued to train while he waited on another overseas basketball contract. He has been coaching at the University of Health and Sciences and Pharmacy and serving as a part-time trainer with CgHoops. In February, Torrence will be playing in Yantai, Shandong for Yantai Sports Development Company on a six-month contract. He hopes to sign another contract to continue his career while in China. When his basketball days are over, Torrence plans on becoming a trainer and coach full-time.