West Takes the Trophy

West is known for many things, from numerous National Merit Finalists to large graduating classes, but right now, we are known as the Men’s Basketball State Champions, a first for the program. In a last minute thriller, the Wolves came out on top.

Before the team could become the State champions, they needed to work for it. They went undefeated in their district, playing against basketball rivalry teams such as Allen and Plano East. In addition, the team put in many hours of practice in order to be able to work seamlessly together. Anthony Morgan, the head coach of the team, spoke highly of the efforts put forth by the players.

“The key to the win was the hard work and hours of preparation leading up to the game,” Morgan said. “A lot of people look at our team and say that they are so talented, but you still need to put in the work to win; there is no such thing as a gimme.”

The team defeated Houston Clear Lake 56-54 for the title, thanks to senior forward DJ Hogg, who at the last second made a buzzer beating shot, sending the Blue Nation into celebration mode. Hogg knew he needed to find a way to get the ball away from Clear Lake and into the basket.

“When they had the ball, I thought they would just hold it and that the game would go into overtime, but then I got a charge with 11 seconds left, which was enough time to win,” Texas A&M commit Hogg said. “I remember thinking that I needed to get a shot off, so I did.”

Hogg’s teammate and fellow forward, senior Ryan Smith had a good feeling when he saw his colleague get the ball from the opponent.

“When I saw D.J going for that last shot, I knew it was going to be a tough shot,” Smith said. “They played good defense on him, but I had a lot of confidence in him. He’s a great shooter and a great player in tough situations, so I honestly wasn’t surprised when it went in.”

I wanted to go witness history and be able to look back at that moment and say I was there when we won State. Hogg’s performance of 22 points throughout the game was memorable to fans of the team, and will live on with the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP).

“It feels great to be named MVP,” Hogg said. “I play with a lot of good players, so it is nice to be given that name.”

The players could feel the excitement and encouragement from their peers attending the game. After a slow first half, the team talked about what needed to happen when they went back out on the court in order to be champions.

“At halftime we talked about stepping up our energy,” Smith said. “During the second half we came out and did just that, which made all the difference in the game.”

Throughout the game, The Hype was living up to their name, cheering loudly for their fellow classmates. They made sure that the team knew they had fans there and rooting them on to win. Even The Hype could feel the mood change after the players came out of the locker room.

“I wanted to go to witness history and be able to look back at that moment and say that I was there when we won State,” senior Logan Wright said. “The atmosphere was electric. Even when we were down, we were all really into our cheering, but when they started coming back in the fourth, the excitement went to another level.”

For many players in high school basketball, that winning moment, is the moment that they look forward to when they join their high school teams. For West players, that moment finally became a reality.

“It means a lot to be named a State Champion,” Hogg said. “For us to get it on our senior year is pretty cool.”

This recognition is not only sought after by players, but coaches as well. Coach Morgan has been looking for a State title ever since he started his coaching career 27 years ago.

“It’s a lifelong dream that has come true,” Morgan said. “When I started coaching, I wanted to be a State Champion with a program and that became true. I thank this year’s team, the administration and the parents for helping make my dream come true.”

Every student at the school will remember watching the famous last second shot and feeling pure joy when learning their classmates had fought their way to the top to be the best team in Texas. They are not alone; Coach Morgan will remember these players, this season, and that feeling for years to come.

“This was a very special team that I will always remember,” Morgan said. “Now it is time to get started with next season, as we look to repeat.”