The Basketball Tournament: West open to coaching Best Virginia and son again

West was overcome by his emotions on the first observation, that the five games Best Virginia played – all in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä -- were special.

In that moment, the elder West stopped being the coach and slipped into his role as a father. It was then that he struggled to find the right words.

“I never thought I was going to get the chance to coach him again,â€� said West Sr., who also coached his son’s high school team at Clarksburg Notre Dame. The Wests won a WVSSAC Class A state tournament title in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä.

West Sr. eventually began to speak as a coach again. When he did, he told reporters in the room that Best Virginia's WVU alumni, such as Tre Mitchell, Kedrian Johnson, Toby Okani and Wesley Harris, and players like James Reese V, JD Weatherspoon, Isaiah Sanders and West Jr., who played at other schools, came together for a memorable tournament performance.

“To be able to go on this run was special,� West Sr. said. “It hurts. Especially when it was that close. It was a great run, not only with [West Jr.], but I just spoke with the guys. I mean, it was a blessing for two weeks over the summer to be with great guys who represented the state.�

That run began with Best Virginia nearly being eliminated in its first contest by DuBois Dream, a squad composed of players mostly from West Liberty and others from the Mountain East Conference. Best Virginia escaped 72-69.

Then it got an easier win over Herd That and alumni from Marshall who played with West Jr. during his time there. Wins over Elite Nation in the West Virginia Region final and James Madison Region winner Shell Shock, a Maryland alumni team, in the quarterfinals put Best Virginia in unprecedented territory.

West Sr. reflected on things that Eberlein Drive did well and also things Best Virginia could have done better, though it found itself down just two points, 77-75, when the Elam Ending began.

Gabe York hit two 3-pointers – the last coming despite the hand of West Jr. in his face -- to help Eberlein Drive reach the target score of 85 and advance to the championship game, in which it will play for the $1 million prize.

West Jr. said it was a good experience for him too.

“You know, you get two to three weeks out of the summer to play competitive basketball for high stakes in America in front of your families, in front of your friends, you don’t get that overseas every day,� said West Jr., who plays professionally in Bosnia. “So, it’s a really cool experience and to be back in the Civic Center playing for my dad, with mom and my brother being able to watch. It's a beautiful thing.�

Neither West committed at the podium to returning to Best Virginia next season, but neither ruled it out either.

Then coach became dad again. He reflected on how difficult it was that his son played so far from home and said he could see himself returning next year.

“It’s hard, you know?� West Sr. said, fighting through tears. “He’s gone 10 months. To get this opportunity. He’s got to leave in 10 days.

“But, yeah, if the opportunity presents itself, I’d definitely love the chance to run it back.�