WVSSAC Pays Tribute To Jerry West

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The WVSSAC will honor the legacy of Jerry West by placing the number 44 on the court during both the Girls and Boys State High School Basketball Tournaments at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.

The tribute recognizes one of the most iconic figures in the history of basketball and a proud product of West Virginia high school athletics. West, who wore No. 44 throughout much of his playing career, first made his mark as a standout at East Bank High School from 1952–56.

During his senior season in 1956, West led East Bank to a 71-58 victory over Morgantown High School to capture the state championship. That year, he was named state player of the year, became captain of the West Virginia All-State “Big Team,” and became the first high school player in state history to score more than 900 points in a season, averaging 32.2 points per game.

West passed away in June 2024.