St. Joseph’s West Earns Player of the Week Honors for Opening Week
SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–With all the changes that occurred at St. Joseph’s during this past off-season, one of the things that stayed constant was senior Letrell West. An All GMC Gold Division player two years ago at Piscataway Tech, West transferred to play for the Falcons last year.
Despite having to contend for playing time with the likes of Tyus Battle, Bree Tyree, Khaliff Battle and Xavier Townes in the backcourt, West managed to get his minutes and make contributions. Then, over the summer with the graduation of Battle and Tyree and the transfers of Alanzo Frink, Khaliff Battle, and Townes, West became one of the leaders of this year’s team.
West had to play a crucial role for this year’s Falcons team. With a roster that included four freshmen and two sophomores, the Falcons struggled in its first several games at the Immaculata Fall League. Over the course of the fall though, St. Joseph’s squad which also included veterans Mike Granda and Malachi Walker, began to gel with four straight wins at Immaculata to finish at 5-3.
Fast forward to the opening week of the 2016-17 season, and West took command of a Falcon squad that had lost 10 players that transferred out including seven from the freshmen and JV ranks. On opening night against 6th ranked East Brunswick, West collected 18 points and guided the Falcons to a come from behind 49-43 victory over the rival Bears.
Four days later, West was at it again with another 22 points to lead St. Joseph’s to its most impressive win of the young season, a 70-48 rout of Piscataway on the road. Two nights after that, the senior guard fired in 27 points to help the Falcons fend off a determined Monroe team in a 54-52 win. Thanks to West’s efforts, the Falcons are playing as if they hadn’t missed a beat from a year ago.
True, the Falcons are mostly young and inexperienced this season, but the team is exceeding expectations, and West had a lot to do with that. Through three games, West is averaging 22.3 points per game. He has connected on 23 field goals, 7 three pointers, and 20 free throws while also collecting 15 rebounds, 9 assists, and 7 steals. West is no stranger to GMC Hoops Honors.
Last season, West earned GMC Hoops All Defensive Team honors along with Defensive Player of the Year, Branislav Vujadinovic (now playing at Assumption College) and Townes (now playing at Sayreville). Congratulations Letrell on a fine start to the season, and best of luck the rest of the way.