A middle blocker for the JV team two years ago, West transitioned to opposite hitter as a junior for Sierra coach Danielle Deerinck.

He has since developed into one of the top six-rotation players in the area.

West put it all on display during the Timberwolves’ final week of the Valley Oak League season, which included two emotional five-set victories over cross-town rivals Manteca and East Union.

“He did great last year, and the one thing I told him at the end of the season was that because he was getting down those back-row attacks. What I told him was, I want you to get better at defense and serves so that I can run those (back-row attacks) more, as opposed to when he’s just serving. In the club season, he really put in the work and came out even stronger. He’s made a huge impact to the team, for sure.”
West impacted Sierra’s 26-24, 21-25, 18-25, 25-23, 17-15 upset win over title-contending Manteca on senior night last Tuesday, April 22. The result spoiled the Buffaloes’ attempt at repeating as champions.

West produced his first triple-double in the process, netting 15 kills, 11 block (six solo) and 15 digs.

“It got emotional after we lost them at their home (on April 4),” West said. “So, facing them here, I put my heart and soul into that match.”

He and the rest of the Timberwolves had to muster up enough energy to squeak out another five-set victory one night later. In fact, it was their fourth five-set match in eight days.

Sierra escaped East Union, 18-25, 25-14, 24-26, 25-21, 15-13. West had another all-around gem with 15 kills, eight blocks and nine digs.

“That was fun, too,” West said. “Winning against our rivals felt really good.”

For the season, West leads his team with 321 kills (3.1 per set) to go with 85 blocks, 158 digs and 30 service aces.

Sierra will now take on another Manteca Unified school tonight when the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs begin. Seeded 10th in Division III, the Timberwolves (19-12) head to No. 7 Lathrop (24-8).

“At the start of the season, the chemistry was horrible because we had a lot of new faces,” West said. “It was pretty much a brand-new team. Going through this season, we were able to build up how we play. Now, I feel like we’re a different team.”