TOLEDO, Ohio — Reaching the 1,000-point mark in basketball never happens by accident. It takes discipline, hard work and dedication to achieve.
Antione West recently began his third year on Whitmer High School's varsity basketball team and reached the mark in his fourth game this season.
“They open the gym for me every morning before school, whenever I need it after school," West said. "Just having that type of availability and always wanting that is, I mean, easy access just to get in work. So it just came kind of natural.”
West knew he was close to the feat coming into this season, but was not sure how soon it would happen.
Assistant varsity coach Sean Peters said he is not surprised at West's accomplishment as his behind-the-scenes work ethic is translating to the hardwood.
“He came into the program an extremely hard worker," Peters said. "Never stopped, he’s in here almost every morning. 5 a.m., 6 a.m., just working on his game. Stays after school, comes in on weekends, holidays. There’s no days off for him."
West attributes the mark to the resources the Whitmer coaching staff provides and is already working towards the next milestone.
“It kind of gives me that sense of just it’s a good feeling to know that I have it and now I get to work to get to the next goal which is 2,000," he said. “The offense and stuff, that’s going to come. I’m not really focused on that. Just being as best as I can and preparing myself for the next level.”
Peters added that West is a one-of-a-kind player and is eager to watch the rest of his journey.
“He works harder than probably any kid I’ve ever been around," he said. "He just shows up and he just wants to work every day and get better.”
Antione West is our Athlete of the Week sponsored by Dave's Running.
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