AWT: Westview’s Sams performed under pressure

The shot that Westview senior Garrett Sams hit with 5.7 seconds remaining to send the Chargers to their first-ever state tournament could sum up the type of player that he was.

Sams was always there when his team needed him most, and when the pressure was on, he knew how to overcome obstacles and lead his team.

Sams averaged 19.9 points and 6.3 rebounds this season, while leading Westview on a three-game stretch with wins over South Side, Fayette-Ware and Ripley to be named the 2016 boys basketball All-West Tennessee Player of the Year.

Sams hits layup to send Westview to state tourney

“The main thing about this season was how we came together as a team,” Sams said. “We had some late-game comebacks, but we came together almost like a family.”

Sams, a North Florida signee, was named the 2014 boys basketball All-West Tennessee Newcomer of the Year two years ago as his talent started to show, and he continued to put in the work to get better.

“I tried to get better each year,” he said. “I know that I have a long way to go, but I feel like I became a more consistent ball handler and developed into a better overall player.”

That three-game span toward the end of the season came against three of the toughest teams in the state. South Side was ranked No. 1 and undefeated most of the season, Fayette-Ware reached the Class AA semifinals and Ripley had reached the Class AA semifinals the year before.

There were tough moments in each of those games and the Chargers trailed by double digits in each of the games also.

“Beating Ripley was a cool moment, being able to celebrate with the fans as we made history,” Sams said.

Westview came close to making runs during the past two season, but there were a few points here or a few points there that didn’t happen.

“I think in years past we had some inexperience,” Sams said. “All of the seniors this year grew up together, and it wasn’t until this year that we brought it all together. Coach [Mike] Greer helped bring us together and showed us that there was only one way to reach the state tournament, and that was to listen to him.”

The honors followed Sams on a state level also as he was named a Class AA Mr. Basketball finalist.

“It was an honor and a blessing to be named a finalist because there are some great players out there that don’t get recognized,” he said.

Sams must now prepare himself to play on the NCAA Division I level with the Osprey of North Florida.

“I know that I have to get stronger and adjust to the college game,” he said. “I have to hit the weight room and become a better all-around athlete.”

Michael Odom, 425-9754