West’s All-State Double Dip

RHAM’s Sarah West averaged a double-double for Raptors basketball this winter, earning her all-state recognition. It was junior’s second time making all-state this school-year, also being named all-state in volleyball in the fall.  

Junior Sarah West has been a major force on the courts at RHAM High School this school-year and was recently named to the All-State basketball team in March.  
           
It was the second time in the last five months that West was selected to an all-state team, also making the Class L first-team in volleyball in November. 
           
“I haven’t heard of a lot of people awarded with back to back seasons of All-State, so I’m super grateful,” West said of the accomplishment. “It means a lot to be recognized as a top player in both of my sports. Now I just have to keep working for next year.” 
           
During the fall, West led the school’s volleyball team in kills (284) — averaging three per set — and was second in blocks (64) as the Raptors won a state championship on November 20.
           
This winter, she averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game on the hardwood. The well-rounded West also chipped in three assists, two steals, and 2.5 blocks per content.
           
“I am extremely proud and happy for Sarah to be named all-state,” stated RHAM girls’ basketball coach John McNair. “She is a tireless worker who always wants to do what is best for the team and do whatever it takes to help the team win. She is also one of the most coachable kids you will find these days and has a complete team-first attitude.”
           
After finishing as the team’s leading scorer as a sophomore a year ago, West duplicated that feat this winter and McNair added that he saw West expand her overall game.    
           
“She understands the impact she can make on a game is more than just scoring. She is always willing [and] eager to take on the toughest defensive assignment,” added McNair. “She also became that leader I always knew she could be. She started to hold teammates to the standards we are looking for and did so in a way that got the team to really respond. It’s wonderful when a voice other than mine can start making an impact.”
           
West helped lead the Raptors to 14 wins and a tournament appearance as a reliable presence on both ends of the court. 
           
McNair said that it was West’s “team-first, selfless attitude” that allowed her to grow as a player. He used the example of the two games that West missed this winter, which were both wins. McNair recalled that even though West wasn’t playing, she was just as passionate on the sidelines and happy for the team’s success. 
           
“She’s someone you want on your team because of the type of teammate she is and someone you don’t want to play against because of the type of competitor she is,” added McNair. “The craziest thing, for me, is that I don’t think she has played her best basketball. So while we will celebrate this accomplishment now, I cannot wait to see what next season looks like for the team and her.”