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Terrence Ross's introduction to varsity basketball could not have gone any better. He was named the Oregon Class 5A Player of the Year and led Jefferson High to a state championship as a sophomore in 2007-08.

A repeat performance at Jefferson was not to be. Ross's mother, Macine, shipped Terrence across the country to Rockville and the Montrose Christian School, whose coaching staff had seen Ross play in an offseason tournament.

"His mom wanted to get him into an environment where he would be challenged both academically and basketball-wise," Montrose coach Stu Vetter said. "That's kind of how the two came together."

All Ross has done on the East Coast is lead the Mustangs to a 14-1 record, the lone loss coming in double overtime to national powerhouse Oak Hill (Va.) in December.

"I believe he will thrive there," Macine Ross was quoted as saying in an Aug. 26 article on OregonLive.com. "They showed an interest in helping him, which is the main reason I said, ‘Yes.' I know they will take care of him."

The relationship between player and school has been mutually beneficial. Montrose gives Ross, a 6-foot-5, 180-pound junior, an enhanced education; Vetter's players always qualify academically for college. He can also play his natural position of wing guard, displaying both his perimeter shooting and strong finishing at the basket.

"Back where I'm from, it's hard to find height," Ross said. "I had to play center, point guard. I had to play all around. I like playing here. This is just an all-around better school in academics and sports."

Ross has helped Vetter round out perhaps the best all-around team he's had in his 10 years at Montrose Christian. The squad also features Villanova (Pa.) University signees Mouph Yarou and Isaiah Armwood and super freshman Justin Anderson.

That group, plus Dominic Milburn, Micah Fraction and Dadrian Collins, gives the Mustangs a legitimate chance to capture the USA Today national championship. They get a rematch with Oak Hill in early March, and will compete in the National High School Championships at Georgetown Prep in early April.

Montrose is currently ranked No. 6 in the USA Today Super 25 basketball poll.

"Terrence is one of the most athletic players I've been able to coach," Vetter said. "I've had some great athletes over the years. He combines the athleticism with basketball ability. He can shoot the ball very well and he's got the size at 6'5" that gives him unlimited potential. And he's a very unselfish player. He blends in well with our players."

Ross, averaging roughly 14 points per game, has displayed those skills in some big games this season. He scored 16, including three 3-pointers, to go along with seven rebounds in Montrose's 52-49 win over Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) High at the Flyin' to the Hoop Boys Basketball Invitational in Ohio last weekend.

He also dropped 13 points in the loss to Oak Hill and debuted at Montrose with 19 points and a pair of thunderous dunks. YouTube has a video of a Ross windmill dunk from a summer-league game.

"Terrence is a great addition to the team," said Fraction. "He brings a whole lot of energy. He's a very explosive player and I like playing with him. He gets up and down the floor. He gives me a lot of assists. … He likes to fill those wings and we like to get it to him."

Ross, who lives just off campus with other out-of-county players, has drawn local attention from Maryland and Georgetown. According to Rivals.com, he has offers from Washington, Arizona State, California and Oregon State. Ross mentioned Kentucky, Louisville, Villanova, Oklahoma, Memphis, Tennessee and 2008 National Champion Kansas as other programs that interest him.

A report last May by ESPNU said "Ross may be considered the No. 1 two-guard prospect out West in the Class of 2010," referred to his frame as "Jordan-esque" and called his athleticism "off the charts."

"He needs to continue to work on his ball-handling and his defense, things like that to become a complete player," Vetter said. "If he really understands what his potential is and works toward it, he can really be outstanding."

About the only thing not going for Ross so far is the weather.

"Probably the biggest adjustment is getting use to everything," he said. "New surroundings. Getting used to school. Getting used to the weather. It's not drastically different, but it's a lot colder than it would be in Oregon right now. … It's kind of like college. It's not really a big deal. I feel like I'm doing pretty good. Better than I expected."

Ross and Montrose Christian battle Virginia's Paul VI Saturday at the University of Maryland's Comcast Pavilion Saturday.