Senior Chandler Meeks is now entering his fourth season on Westside’s varsity basketball team. The Warrior guard has been a key piece of the team’s success, and looks to step into an even bigger role for his final season. Westside head coach Jim Simons is thrilled to have Meeks on the team for the fourth straight year at the varsity level. 

“I expect Chandler to have a great senior year,” Simons said. “He has worked very hard since the end of last season, both in the weight room and in the gym.  He is stronger and more athletic than he was a year ago and he’s improved his jump shot and maybe most importantly the confidence he has in his jump shot.  I expect that he will continue to grow as a leader, not only leading by example but also using his voice more confidently to help lead his teammates.”

Coach Simons said that Meeks excels on the defensive side of the court, and is a great team first player, who can put Westside’s success in front of his own. 

“Chandler is a great defender,” Simons said. “His ability to defend the ball is as good as any guard in the state.  He’s also a great teammate who truly cares about the team’s success and his teammate’s success as much as he does his own.”

Meeks is going into his final season with high expectations not only for himself, but also for the team. Many people believe this Westside team has the potential to finish among the top five teams in the state.  Meeks said the Warriors have put in more work than in years past to prepare for the upcoming season. 

“This team has shown a lot of hard work, more than my first two years and that’s the one thing I’m proud of with this group,” Meeks said. “Our expectations for this year is to dominate on a day to day basis and understanding the small details to help us win big games and reach our goals.”  

The Warriors are trying to block out the high expectations surrounding the team, and just put their head down and work.  

“We plan to reach our goals taking it day by day and not focusing on the outside noise coming in about this team,” Meeks said. 

There is no doubt Meeks will be playing at the next level, the only question is where next year. While Meek’s teammates Logan Wilson and Payson Gillespie both recently committed to Concordia, Meeks is looking to get through the season, before thinking about college. 

“My recruitment has been a little static at the moment with this off season and I’m not really leaning anywhere yet,” Meeks said. “I’m just going to make a statement this year and decide when the year is finalized.”

Meeks and the Westside boys basketball team will tip off the season on Saturday, Nov. 27 with jamboree action at Skutt Catholic at 3 P.M.