Cal High 2023 graduate Kellen Torrey has created a new basketball documentary, sharing the story of his hardworking lifestyle and basketball career.
His documentary, “Boy Wonder”, was created when an old friend, Jacob Yadao, who works for Simply Basketball, reached out, offering a collaboration.
Simply Basketball is a social media team focused on supporting Northern California basketball players and giving them a platform to display their skills.
Torrey’s goals for this documentary, which was released on YouTube in July, were to inspire the next generation of basketball players and give people insight into his life.
Torrey said he wants to inspire the community and be a role model for young players to look up to. His 28-minute documentary highlights his success and achievements as Cal’s varsity point guard, on and off the court.
“What separates me is my ability to be coachable and a good teammate,” Kellen Torrey said. “I was able to lead my team and always work hard.”
Being a great player as well as a great listener was what made him a star on the court.
“He was a great basketball player on the court and off the court,” said Cal sophomore Logan Ramey, who has seen the documentary.
Ramey said his brother was a friend of Torrey’s.
“He was just a really great dude,” Ramey said. “It really showed who he is and his hardworking attitude.”
Hard work was a staple in his career at Cal, as Torrey claimed the position of starting point guard on varsity during his sophomore year.
“I remember 6 a.m. shots and workouts,” Torrey said. “Midday workouts and 8 p.m. workouts too.”
This work ethic helped him be a leader especially during his senior year as he guided Cal to the NCS Division 1 semifinals and the NorCal D2 quarterfinals, which is the team’s deepest postseason run.
The documentary shows Torrey working out with his trainer, Stevie Johnson, an example of the work he puts in day to day.
“To his credit he changed his body and worked on the skills of the game, and is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around,” head basketball coach Steve Ohlymeyer said.
“He loves being in the gym,” added his biggest fan, father and assistant coach at Cal, Chris Torrey. “Shooting the ball around and going to the weight room. He’s a workaholic and it transitions to his game.”
Nothing was more important to Torrey than making sure that he was always putting in extra work, early in the morning and late at night. This work ethic led to great moments with the Grizzlies.
“There is nothing like it,” Torrey said. “The adrenaline and the crowd. The student section is going crazy. It’s special to represent your school.”
The documentary also captures toward the end of Torrey’s high school career when he was offered a chance to play at Simpson University, a Division III school in Woodland, just north of Sacramento.
“I’ve been waiting so long for this moment,” Torrey said in the documentary.
Going to college and playing basketball was a dream of his since he was a kid. In college he hopes to create a legacy for himself. But he emphasizes the importance of getting a degree and focusing on academics.
“I’m serious about getting a good GPA and awards for academics,” Torrey said.
Torrey acknowledged that he had a lot of help throughout his journey.
“He continued to grow each year, and a lot of that had to do with the people he’s surrounded with,” Chris Torrey said. “Coach Ohlmeyer had a big influence on him, no question. His mom pushes him as well and his trainer, Steve Johnson, was a big piece of this.”
In his documentary he said, “My parents have been there every step of the way.”
“Boy Wonder” has helped Torrey document his journey and work ethic to those hoping to follow his footsteps in the realm of basketball.
“Always bet on yourself, trust yourself, and be a student of the game,” Torrey said.
