Westside HS Open Practice Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The month of September provides a key chance for High Schools to get back to work and display their prospects to College Coaches. Today, I was in Anderson, South Carolina to check out a program with a bright future: Westside High School. The Rams ran through transition drills, defensive pressures, positional skill work, and offensive sets before finishing with 5 on 5. Check out my takeaways from today's Open Practice along with some general information:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Information</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>School: Westside High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>City: Anderson, South Carolina</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach: Nick Agnello</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region: Class 4A Region 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Review</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Record: 17-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ending: Round 2 Loss vs Riverside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Departures: Joshua Williams, Zeke Marshall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Returning Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2314644' first='K'majay' last='Jenkins']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2573655' first='Keemaj' last='Clinkscales']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Names to Know</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2550966' first='Jonovan' last='Webb']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2467363' first='Jayden' last='Heggins']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2418910' first='Ricky' last='Hood III']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Open Practice Takeaways</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2550966' first='Jonovan' last='Webb'] was a major eye-opener for me today. He is likely to make a huge role in terms of role and production because of the Rams' departures. Webb displayed good ball handling at speed, finished with both hands, made impressive plays in tight spaces, brought pressure on defense, and was the team's best three-point shooter today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2314644' first='K'majay' last='Jenkins'] will be one of the best and most versatile defenders in the Upstate. Jenkins was used in nearly every role on that end of the floor in practice today. His strength and length are effective in trapping, he moves his feet well in full-court pressure, he can protect the rim, and he will clean the glass. K'majay also has effortless athleticism that will be helpful on both ends of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2467363' first='Jayden' last='Heggins'] should hold down the paint for Westside. He is a transfer from cross-town rival TL Hanna who holds an offer from Jacksonville. Heggins has a good frame and some athleticism but is also very well-rounded in the post. He has a nice jump shot from 8-10 feet and can step out to the perimeter with confidence. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2418910' first='Ricky' last='Hood III'] is one for the future. Although he might not have a major role this year, Ricky has jump-out-the-gym athleticism and good defensive instincts. Hood also can handle the rock, has a strong frame, will work hard on the glass, and is a good scorer around the rim with soft touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Rams could be a frustrating team to face on the defensive end. They have a combination of size and athleticism that few other schools do, but also hold guards who are bought in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Jenkins, Heggins, and Hood III make up one of the best young nuclei in the state. All three have different skillsets but have the size, skillset, and ceiling of being future college athletes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024-25 Showcases/Tournaments</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neely Roundball Classic (November 22nd)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FCA I-85 Battleground Showcase (December 14th)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops SC Showcase (January 4th)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->