Childs-Harris doing his prep work

Montville - Torin Childs-Harris dribbled outside the 3-point line Saturday, setting up to make a move on his Winchendon defender.

After a brief hesitation, he pulled up for a jumper. His 3-point attempt bounced off the front rim.

During the next break, St. Thomas More coach Jere Quinn called Childs-Harris over to the bench for a brief word.

Quinn had a suggestion.

"That was a good shot but take it to the middle of the floor," Childs-Harris said of Quinn's advice. "He's trying to get me ready for the next level and he knows at the next level everything goes off the middle of the floor.

"I've got to adjust. That's what it's all about, adjusting."

Childs-Harris, a wiry 6-foot-3 guard, is receiving an education on and off the court while attending prep school at St. Thomas More.

A three-time Day All-Area selection, he piled up some impressive numbers at New London High School, averaging 21 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.2 steals as a senior while helping the Whalers win the Class L state title. He finished with 1,615 career points.

He's competing at a higher level now, regularly facing future Division I talent. Saturday's opponent, Winchendon, had two players already committed to Sacred Heart and Penn State.

"Torin is from a great family," Quinn said. "He's a great kid. He's from a great program. He's accustomed to winning. But our level is a giant step above. ... It's not a high school game."

Childs-Harris has the athleticism to fit in on the court. He's adapting to the St. Thomas More way - team before individual.

"I've learned a lot about basketball," Childs-Harris said. "It's not about yourself; it's about your whole team. As long as your team is doing well, everybody is doing well."

He considered attending Bridgton Academy in Maine before heading to St. Thomas More. His decision was influenced by the fact that his uncle Jarion Childs once played for Quinn. A former all-state guard at Fitch, Jarion went on to compete at American University.

Quinn's reputation was another reason Childs-Harris chose St. Thomas More.

"I knew coach Quinn is a great coach, so I thought if I came here that I'd learn a lot more stuff," Childs-Harris said. "He'll push you to your limits."

A deep, quick and talented St. Thomas More is undefeated so far at 8-0. Childs-Harris led a balanced attack Saturday, scoring a team-high 13 points in an 85-51 victory over Winchendon. He's one of several potent offensive threats, hitting three 3-pointers.

Childs-Harris realizes that he's far from a finished product. He's focused on working in the weight room to add muscle to his wiry frame and improving his defense.

"Torin has a chance to be a pretty good player," Quinn said. "Torin needs to defend better. He needs to be a little more verbal on the defensive end because if you're not greatest defensive player, you should be the best talker.

"And he's got to work on his left a little bit more, but he's an athlete and he can shoot."

Division I colleges are checking out Childs-Harris, who bolstered his reputation last summer playing for the Connecticut Select AAU team. College of Charleston and Dayton are tracking his progress, according to Childs-Harris, who's also interested in Clemson and Cincinnati.

Childs-Harris is coming off the bench but Quinn considers nine or 10 players starter material.

He's enjoying his time at St. Thomas More.

"I like it," he said. "It's a new experience. It's just different than what I'm used to."

g.keefe@theday.com