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Athletics is woven into the West family’s DNA
Tanner West of Jordan High School grew up as the “little brother.” His older brothers, Landon and Graiden West, both play baseball at Rice, and his dad played soccer at Tulsa.
“Growing up, everything was a competition around our house,” Tanner said. “I was always getting pushed around and beat up by them. They made me the athlete and competitor I am today.”
While soccer was his first love, football became his life as he entered high school.
"Soccer was my thing growing up," he said. "I was playing Select every weekend. My dad taught me the ropes and what it takes to play at a high level and any sport. Soccer really helped me with foot work, like when I'm in the hole and being able to have quick feet to get into open space."
Now standing at 6 feet tall, West earned a first-team all-district selection for the Jordan Warriors, who made history in 2024. With Michigan signee Andrew Marsh now on campus in Ann Arbor, it’s West’s turn to lead.
“I just had a meeting with my coaches about my role this year,” he said. “I’m going to be touching the ball a lot more and providing leadership for this team. I want to help out the younger guys, just like Andrew did for me.
“I’m working a lot on change of direction to make that last defender miss as a running back, and getting off the press at the line of scrimmage as a receiver. I've tried to pattern my game after Christian McCaffrey (49ers) and his versatility."
The 4.4 GPA student recently visited Kansas and Kansas State and has been in conversations with SMU, Tulsa, and Rice. The Academies and Ivy League schools have also offered.
“The recruiting process has been a huge learning experience,” he said. “Some days are better than others, but I love seeing the campuses and meeting the coaches. The process has been good for me, both in football and in life.”
West plays with a chip on his shoulder, a trait that stems from being the “little brother.”
“If I’m going against a big-name recruit, they’re going to get my best,” he said. “I feel like I’m better than them in every way when I line up. That’s just my mindset all the time. I’m a true competitor. That’s what drives me.”
Lake Creek softball is having another tremendous season, boasting a perfect 22-0 record thus far.
The Lions are VYPE’s Whataburger Team of the Week after defeating the highly-ranked Class 6A Kingwood Mustangs, 3-0.
Junior pitcher Sara Wiggins, a Wichita State commit, threw a no-hitter against the 'Stangs in the highly-anticipated matchup.
“We talk about being present and intentional,” coach Candyce Carter said. “This is a special group, and it has been a blast to coach them this season. They just forget about the record and play for each other."
The team is hitting .430 collectively, led by Madalyn Davis, Annelise Torres, Miranda Orso, and Chesney Davis.
WILLIS BASKETBALL STAR SHAWNDRICK “SJ” YOUNG JR. HAS ALWAYS HAD TUNNEL VISION—HE’S WIRED THAT WAY.
The junior averaged nearly 20 points per game, earning District 13-6A Co-MVP honors while leading the Wildkats to school history this past season. But his motivation? It’s personal. Very personal.
“My dad holds a lot of the old scoring records here at Willis,” Young said with a laugh. “He was thought to be the best thing walking the halls at Willis... now it’s me. I want all the records, and that really pushes me.”
Young was the engine behind Willis advancing to the third round of the UIL Class 6A playoffs, something the school had never done before.
“The school really rallied around us,” he said. “We had a pep rally where everyone lined the halls as we left for our playoff game. Next year, we want to win district and go even farther. If everyone has the same mentality as me, we’re going to get there.”
The summer AAU circuit and offseason training will be critical for the 6-foot-5 hybrid, who has college hoops aspirations.
“I’m a forward at the high school level... but not in college,” he said. “I’ve got a good shot, I’m a really good passer and rebounder, but I’m locked in on two things this offseason—getting stronger and tightening my ball handling. I can get to my spots now, but I’m going to add strength so I can take the contact in the paint and still finish.”
And when he’s not in the gym? It’s still hoops.
“I love playing the (video) game, of course,” he said. “But me and my friends go to the park, and before you know it, we’ve got some really competitive five-on-five runs going. That’s Willis for you.”
When it comes to watching basketball, one player has Young’s attention.
“I like the Rockets’ Amen Thompson,” he said. “I try to pattern my game after his. He can do a little of everything, and he’s a tough rebounder. That’s what I pride myself on, too. If I’m playing someone way bigger than me, they’re going to have a fight on their hands. I’m a high-energy guy.”
Must be in the genes.
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