2019 Spanish River G Charles West talks summer and season ahead
2019 guard Charles West is part of a Spanish River group that has generated only 13 wins over the last two seasons.
The 6’2″, 170-pounder says his sophomore season went well as he became a legitimate scoring threat drawing a ton of double teams. He’s looking to help turn the program around.
West also notes that he became more effective from the 3-point line, increasing his range and making the effort to get to the basket more often and become a lockdown defender.
“This year my role will be scoring and leadership. We have a good team that should do well,” West told Prep Hoops Florida. “I’m anxious to get back on the floor and compete with my teammates.”
This summer, West spent his first year with Ball4Lyfe United.
“The experience was more than I ever expected. Playing in the Adidas Uprising meant playing against the best competition every game. Coach [Brandon] Arnette had a lot of confidence in my game,” West said. “He let me do what I do best. The coaching is next level.
I got to play a really competitive national schedule. The experience really improved how I approach every game and also increased my IQ, which is something I’m always working on.”
He started basketball in the 3rd grade at the Alonzo Mourning Youth Center. West moved to Palm Beach County in 2011 where he began playing travel ball. His middle school team won a state championship and earned a national bid to play at Valparaiso University. He was selected to the All-Tournament team.
West pointed to his shooting as his biggest strength.
“My 3-point shot has always been the greatest aspect of my game. I grew my other skills around my shot. Last year getting to the basket was a priority,” he said. “This year, finishing at the rim with a dunk is a priority. Getting my teammates involved and improving my skills as a point guard will definitely be top of my list as well.”
No offers have come yet for West, but Cornell has shown heavy interest in him. He says about 20 schools have followed his progress including Alcorn, Siena, UC Sacramento, Oberlin, Barry and Colorado School Of Mines.
Being enrolled in honors and AP classes, West gets numerous looks from academically sound colleges.
I got the chance to see West late in the summer and he’s progressed well. He’s growing into his body and his outside jumper is flat-out lethal. Smarts are on his side and he’s flying under the radar. I fully expect him to take that next step forward at Spanish River this fall.
Film: West from the corner