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LITTLE BRO: Jordan's West benefitting from being baby of family
Athletics is woven into the West family’s DNA
Tanner West of Jordan High School grew up as the “little brother.” His older brothers, Landon and Graiden West, both play baseball at Rice, and his dad played soccer at Tulsa.
“Growing up, everything was a competition around our house,” Tanner said. “I was always getting pushed around and beat up by them. They made me the athlete and competitor I am today.”
While soccer was his first love, football became his life as he entered high school.
"Soccer was my thing growing up," he said. "I was playing Select every weekend. My dad taught me the ropes and what it takes to play at a high level and any sport. Soccer really helped me with foot work, like when I'm in the hole and being able to have quick feet to get into open space."
Now standing at 6 feet tall, West earned a first-team all-district selection for the Jordan Warriors, who made history in 2024. With Michigan signee Andrew Marsh now on campus in Ann Arbor, it’s West’s turn to lead.
“I just had a meeting with my coaches about my role this year,” he said. “I’m going to be touching the ball a lot more and providing leadership for this team. I want to help out the younger guys, just like Andrew did for me.
“I’m working a lot on change of direction to make that last defender miss as a running back, and getting off the press at the line of scrimmage as a receiver. I've tried to pattern my game after Christian McCaffrey (49ers) and his versatility."
The 4.4 GPA student recently visited Kansas and Kansas State and has been in conversations with SMU, Tulsa, and Rice. The Academies and Ivy League schools have also offered.
“The recruiting process has been a huge learning experience,” he said. “Some days are better than others, but I love seeing the campuses and meeting the coaches. The process has been good for me, both in football and in life.”
West plays with a chip on his shoulder, a trait that stems from being the “little brother.”
“If I’m going against a big-name recruit, they’re going to get my best,” he said. “I feel like I’m better than them in every way when I line up. That’s just my mindset all the time. I’m a true competitor. That’s what drives me.”
COUGAR NATION: Cinco Ranch Has Bona Fide Star Power In Franco
Audiences saw Cinco Ranch cruise to yet another district title last spring, which is no small feat given the high level of competition within 19-6A. The Cougars then advanced three rounds into the postseason, before ultimately falling to Memorial in a hard-fought three-game series.
Heading into the 2025 season, coach Brett Wallace and his staff are fortunate to bring back the majority of their key players, including a trio of district first-teamers: Lucas Franco (Sr. SS), Josh Morelli (Sr. RHP), and Dylan Muniz (Jr. C). Franco, a TCU-commit, will continue to be Cinco’s most reliable hitter, after posting a .405 average with 30 RBIs last year.
Morelli, committed to Pratt CC, served as the team’s ace in 2024, finishing with a 7-3 record and an outstanding 0.97 ERA. His chemistry with Muniz, a standout catcher, will be critical to the team’s success.
When Morelli needs a break, fellow senior pitcher Jonny Blackman (2.54 ERA) is ready to step in and keep opposing hitters off balance. Furthermore, juniors Drew Tureau (OF) and Kason Ficarra (3B) round out a potent lineup that should be one of the most formidable in the area.