Rosario is right at home on the hardwood

LYNN – Erick Rosario grew up in Morovis, Puerto Rico, before moving to Lynn when he was 11 years old. But regardless of his address, his true home has always been the basketball court.
Rosario, whose point total is 988, will look to break the 1,000-point milestone tonight at home when Lynn English faces Saugus.
“Hitting a thousand points is going to be special,” said Rosario, “but I never wanted to do that. I’d rather pass the ball.”
The 5-foot-11-inch point guard is a key component for the 10-1 Bulldogs, who are poised to make an extended run in the Division I North tournament in just a few weeks.
“Erick is one of the most unselfish 1,000-point scorers you’ll ever find,” said English coach Mike Carr. “He’s a special athlete, a fantastic kid, and we’re very proud of him.”
Rosario remembers his arrival in Massachusetts and how much he dreaded going to school every day as a sixth-grader at Thurgood Marshall Middle School.
“Moving from Puerto Rico to Lynn was so tough,” said the 18-year-old Rosario. “I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t speak the language, and I didn’t get to play basketball.”
Rosario’s happiest moments are with a basketball in his hands. He began playing at the age of 4 on the outdoor courts in Morovis, and finally reconnected with the game at Marshall when he met classmate Stevie Collins.
Rosario and Collins now form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the state.
“Erick is so energetic, he never gets tired,” said Collins. “So it’s always a war with the two of us at practice, because we know we’ve got to push each other to get better.
“Scoring a thousand points is pretty special. There’s not too many guys have done it, so for Erick to do that, it’s a blessing.”
Despite piling up points, Rosario prides himself as a passer.
“Erick is always a play ahead,” said Carr. “He’s a true point guard, and we needed to ask him to score. He loves to pass.”
Along with Collins, English has no shortage of weapons in its offensive arsenal for Rosario to find. Anthony Silfa is explosive driving the lanes, and the Bulldogs also feature a legitimate presence in the post with 6-foot-4-inch Jordan Lark and 6-foot-6-inch Johnny Hilaire.
“Erick can score, but he’s always looking to pass,” said Hilaire. “I’ve been playing with him since the eighth grade, so it will be really great to be with him when he hits this milestone. This whole team, we’re brothers, and we’re happy for him.”
Rosario speaks freely when basketball is the topic, yet hesitated when asked what he will do without his team after graduation.
“I’ve been playing with these guys in the gym and on the streets, every day, for seven years,” he said. “It’s sad to think this is it. These guys are my brothers, so we’re going to have to finish right and win the whole thing this year.”
Carr also has a goal for Rosario, one that goes beyond the basketball court.
“Our biggest goal with Erick is seeing him leave Lynn English with a diploma,” said Carr. “He’s a speciall player on the court, but he’s also a special kid off the court. We want him to finish out the right way.”
Rosario and assistant coach Steve Stranahan also share a special bond. Stranahan was one of the biggest influences when Rosario, a fifth-year senior, was academically ineligible to play his freshman year.
“He’s got an amazing personality,” said Stranahan. “Erick is always fooling around, but he has a great heart. He was in my geometry class his sophomore year, and he just needed someone to push him.”
“Coach Stranahan has been a great role model for Erick,” added Carr. “We spend so much time with these kids that we really do become family.”
Rosario is grateful for all his coaches have taught him.
“I love my coaches,” he said. “They’re like fathers to me. Coach Stranahan screams at us when we run stairs at practice, and Coach Carr will get mad if we start playing selfish basketball or if we’re not running the plays, but they’re two of the best coaches ever.”
Rosario’s court sense separates him from