Recruiting Report: Geno West (2017) Jefferson HS
High school basketball players in Oregon have two main opportunities to make a name for themselves at the state level and in front of college recruiters. The first is the Les Schwab Invitational in December and the second is the OSAA state tournament which wrapped up this weekend. Jefferson High School’s 6’3 senior guard Geno West took full advantage of his time on the big stage in leading his team to their first ever 6A state title.
West played well averaging 17.5 points in wins over Grant and Beaverton to start the tournament, but stepped up his game with a 28 point, 5 rebound, and 4 assist performance in the 70-67 title game victory over Clackamas. When asked what sort of preparation, both mentally and physically, goes in to playing at a high level in that kind of game West shared these thoughts: “Our coaches made a big point of making sure that we got off our feet and relaxed on both Friday and Saturday. We knew that having fresh legs was going to be really important.” “I usually try and let the game come to me, but I knew in this game that my team needed me to be really aggressive. We liked our match ups with their guards and our ability to attack them off the dribble and hopefully get them in foul trouble.”
When the subject changed to recruiting, West had some interesting updates and thoughts on the entire process. “Portland State, Idaho, and Santa Clara are the D1 programs that I’m hearing from lately. In addition, a variety of small schools and junior colleges like Lewis & Clark State, Western Wyoming JC, Dawson, and several D2 schools in California are in fairly regular contact.” Asked what he values the most in his college destination, West responded, “wherever I go, the academics piece has to be in place. As far as basketball, I want to find the best fit, find a place where I can play and where the coaches’ like my style of play and think it fits well with how they play. ” When asked what position he sees himself playing at the next level he replied, “I’m a basketball player, I just play. But I know I’m not very big, so my future is likely on the ball (point guard). My best fit will likely be as a scoring point guard.”
College coaches have had questions about what position West can play at the next level. With his confidence, willingness to do what is necessary for his team to win, and his attack mentality, we are sure that West will soon find a spot that will put his skill set to full use. Check back with Prep Hoops Oregon for updates on West’s college decision.