Following the graduation of an experienced senior class, Westside coach Shawn Jenkins knew returning senior Evan Colucci would have to step into a leadership role.
He’s done an excellent of job of leading by example.
The senior sharpshooter averaged 22.5 point per game in the New River CTC Invitational during the week of Jan. 3, helping the Renegades to a 1-1 record that week.
In a win against Webster earlier in the week he scored 22 and added 23 against Class A No. 1 Greater Beckley as the Renegades pushed the Crusaders to the limit.
For his efforts Colucci has been named the Week 5 Lootpress Boys Basketball Player of the Week by the Lootpress sportswriters. The award is sponsored by Bodyworks and The Law Offices of Brandon Steele.
Greater Beckley’s Kendrick Wilson was the winner of the fan vote with over 20,000 total votes
Jenkins, not one for moral victories, was impressed with the week his senior and his team had.
“I thought we played two good games,” Jenkins said. “I thought we got a little bit stagnant against Greater Beckley. I think we kind of got cold there but I think he really came into himself. He was starting to find his shot and he was starting to play with confidence. Of course his poise shows that. He shoots the ball really well, so he’s starting to come into himself.”
Colucci has accepted the leadership role for the Renegades this season, but he’s led more so by example. It’s a different style of leadership, but one that’s effective for his team.
“He is part of our senior leadership,” Jenkins said. “We lost a lot seniors from last year’s team. Even though he’s kind of quiet – he doesn’t say a whole lot, but his play speaks volumes. Sometimes that’s just what you’ve got to do. You have to let your play do all the talking and I feel like that’s what he does.”
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