In 1971,Coach Willie West Jr’s first year coaching Boys Varsity Basketball at Crenshaw High School, he won the L.A. City Championship .That year, Bill Smith was the Most Inspirational Player on that team. During Coach West’s tenure (1971-2007), he won 16 L.A. City Championships. 8 State Championships and 1 World Championship in 1985. Coach West also coached Varsity Baseball. During his 37 year career he mentored 11 future NBA stars and 5 Major League Baseball players. Coach West had over 40 former student/athletes compete at 4-year Universities, including Bill Smith. In 2018, Coach West was nominated for induction to the James A. Naismith Hall of Fame. He is Bill Smith’s #1 mentor.
