Omari Westley

SCHEDULED TO VISIT. OFFERED.

10/4/02: "The much traveled 6-8 power forward Omari Westley is at Cleveland State sitting out the season to gain his college eligibility. Westley played for Barton County (KS) CC last season before he was expelled from college along with three teammates after an incident in which Seward County basketball player Steve Alexander was punched by Westley last February. Westley reportedly opened the back door of the Seward County van after the game and hit Alexander above the left eye with his fist. Barton County had lost an 18-point homecoming-game lead and lost by one in overtime. Westley averaged 13.0 points and 6.9 rebounds for Barton County in 22 games. He shot 59.1% from the field and 72.3% from the line for the Cougars.

Westley spent his freshman season at Wabash Valley (IL) CC, where the Warriors won the NJCAA title. He averaged eight points and four rebounds per game and shot 70% from the field for Wabash Valley. Westley was a four-year high school starter. He spent three years of varsity basketball at Cleveland John F. Kennedy before spending his senior year at East Cleveland Shaw. Westley averaged 20.4 points, 14.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game as a high school senior. He shot 65% from the field, 75% from the free throw line and 37% from three-point range. Westley had over 1800 points and over 1100 rebounds in his high school career. Westley was thought to be headed to a prep school like Cripus Attacks in York, Pennsylvania, Millersburg or Maine Central Institute prep schools. However, the Crispus Attucks School Board voted that all of the players were required to be York County residents, Westley decided to go the juco route.

There was talk about him signing with Cincinnati out of high school and during his junior college stay. John Loyer, who recruited him to Wabash Valley, was previously an assistant at Cincinnati. He was also rumored to land at St. Bonaventure last spring or at UTEP this fall before deciding to play close to home at Cleveland State." - College Basketball News


3/15/02: "He'll probably wind up at St. Bonaventure," said Barton Head Coach Ryan Wolf. "Although he will most likely need to sit a year and finish up academically." - Rivals Hoops

2/24: "Westley will be able to graduation as he'll enroll at another junior college to finish up with his four classes to graduate. It's a good thing he attend summer school classes last summer to pick up those extra hours, as they will come in handle now. He'll stll sign with a D-1 college and have narrowed down to seven schools and will narrow down to his top five and set-up some vistis within two weeks. And will start visiting schools since his season is over with. No doubt a mistake was made, but it's a good thing Omari has some people behind that care about him like Coach Wolfe at Barton and myself, who was able to find another college and making it possible for him to graduate and continue his basketball career next season. The location of his new school will be kept low profile until futher notice." - Ohio Preps

2/13: "Omari Westley 6'7 sophomore (formerly) at Barton (JUCO) KS. have been playing well with his highly rank team, as decided to expand his list due to Cincinnati signing several wing and combo forwards. His list of new schools include Cincinnati, DePaul, West Virginia, Maryland, Oklahoma and St. Johns. Westley will visit all schools except Cincinnati...." - Ohio Preps

2/11: "Three players and one redshirt on the Barton County Community College men's basketball team have been dismissed from the college for their actions following a game against Seward County Community College last Wednesday. Omari Westley, Cleveland, Ohio sophomore; Aaron Patterson, Indianapolis, Ind. freshman; Chris McMillon, Topeka freshman; and redshirt James Drake, Cleveland, Ohio freshman, were indefinitely suspended from the basketball team following the incident. The decision to dismiss them from the college was made after college officials completed their investigation according to President Veldon L. Law, Ed.D. "First and foremost, we extend a public apology to the Seward County players and coaches, the college and its fans," Law said. "We also want to thank the Seward coaches at the scene for their efforts to stop the confrontation and for contributing statements for our investigation." - Barton Cty Comm College web site

2/11/02: "The altercation between Barton and Seward county basketball players after the Feb. 6 game has led to the expulsion of the four Cougar students. Barton County Community College students: Omari Westley, sophomore from Cleveland, Ohio; Aaron Patterson, freshman from Indianapolis, Ind.; Chris McMillon, freshman from Topeka; and James Drake, freshman from Cleveland, Ohio, were dismissed from the school Monday afternoon after an intensive investigation of the incident. "First and foremost, we extend a public apology to the Seward County players and coaches, the college and its fans," BCCC President Dr. Veldon Law said." - Great Bend Tribune (5 to 1)

1/28/02: Westley is averaging 26 mins pg, 12.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 2 apg. He is hitting 58% from the field and 72% from the line. - Barton Cty website

12/26: "Westley, who has started all but three games in the early season, is averaging 12.5 points per game. Westley has scored double digits in four of those games with a game high of 18 in the Nov. 17 meeting with Labette Community College. He's shooting 69 percent from the free-throw line on 27-of-39 shooting and has accounted for 77 rebounds to go along with his 25 assists. Much of his work has been done inside and around the paint." - Great Bend Tribune

12/15: After 11 games, Omari is averaging 12.5 ppg, 7 rpg, and 55% from the floor. He is 5-11 on treys for the year and shooting 69% from the line.

12/8/01: "UC is looking at Tony Bobbit, a shooting guard from Florida who is attending the College of Southern Idaho; Omari Westley, a Cleveland native who is at Barton County (Kan.) College, where Jamaal Davis played; and Roy Smiley, a 6-4 guard from Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa." - Enquirer.com

12/6: Listed as the 6th best PF in Juco. - Van Coleman, Future Stars

12/4: "(Coach) Wolf told JUCO Junction/Rivalshoops.com that Cincinnati leads UAB, Toledo, Maryland, West Virginia, Fresno and Missouri." - RivalsHoops

11/23: "Cincy's spring targets are Lamptey, Westley, and Bobbit in that order." - Bullseye, All Star Report

11/10: "The Cats are on Omari Westley hard" - All Star Report

11/7: "Omari Westley the 6'7 wing from Barton (JC) Kansas team is off
to a 2-0 start with wins over Wisconsin (Valley ) WI. and highly St. Catherine (JC) KY. The first game Barton won by 48 points and Omari scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in only about 21 minutes of action. In a 14 point win in game two Omari scored 18 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Schools showing the most interest include: West Viginia, Maryland, CINCINNATI, Fresno State and South Florida. All schools above has offered." - Ohio Preps

(Fix the link)
http://www.njcaa.org/sports.cfm?sid=4&divid=1&gender=m&slid=2&menu =11&cid=1322&seasonselect=104&schmenu=5&teamid=7067&athleteid=19707

10/30: "Westley was a member of the Wabash Valley national championship team one year ago. The Cleveland sophomore was instrumental in the Warriors title run. After averaging eight points during the regular season, Westley was third on the team with 12 points a game at the NJCAA and tossed in 18 points during the title game against Allegany, Md. Westley, 6-7, will play small forward for Cougars this season." - Barton website

Found 10/17:
http://www.barton.cc.ks.us/sports/MB_01-02/mbplayers01-02.htm

10/16: "(Barton County Head Coach Ryan Wolf) told us that Alabama and CINCINNATI have both been in this fall to visit with Westley. Westley spent last year at Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel, Ill., helping the Warriors win the NJCAA Title in a reserve role. Ironically enough, Westley's Wabash team defeated Barton County in an opening round matchup at the tournament. - JUCO Junction/ Rivalshoops.com

Sept 01: "Barton County Community College men’s basketball coach Ryan Wolf announced that Omari Westley, a transfer from the 2001 NJCAA National Champion Wabash Valley College, Ill., will be a part of the Barton County team this season. Westley, a 6-7 forward averaged eight points and four rebounds during the regular season to go along with a 70 percent field goal shooting percentage at Wabash Valley. During the NJCAA National Tournament, Westley was third on the team with 12 points a game and tossed in 18 points during the title game against Allegany, Md. Westley was also an important part of Wabash’s win over Barton County in the first round, netting 14 points against the Cougars in Barton’s only loss of the tournament.

"I think Barton’s uptempo style of play suits my game," Westley said. "After playing against them last year on the way to the national title, I look forward to playing for them and look forward to playing for another national title again this year." During the NJCAA Tournament, Westley hit 73 percent of his field goals and led the team in rebounding as well." - Barton website

9/27: "Both players (Westley and Tarver)have decided to visit during the season" - Ohio Preps

9/24: "Omari Westley is expected at midnight madness." - Bullseye, AllStar Report

9/8: "With Cincinnati head coach Bob Huggins and assistant coach
Keith LeGree making a visit to Barton C.C. this weekend, Omari
Westley 6'7 combo forward could commit. Omari is ranked top
10 in the country by several scouting services. Omari is also
considering Alabama, South Florida, Texas, Missouri, Mississippi
State and Maryland." - Ohio Preps

8/31: Listed as the 7th best JUCO PF in the USA. - Future Stars

8/15: "He is listed top 10 jc players in college. At this time Cincinnati, South Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Xavier and other are after his services." - Coach Mike Duncan, Ohio Preps

8/6: "I will be bring both kids (Westley and Tarver) this weekend along with junior standout 6'6 Reggie Harwell from VA/Joes." - Coach Michael Duncan from Ohio Preps

8/5: "Cincinnati will have several recruits on campus this coming
weekend (8-10 thru 8-12). Omari Westley and Derrick Tarver will also visit unoffically. There may be some commitments this weekend." - Ohio Preps

8/1/01: Listed as the 15th best Juco Soph in the country. - NBA Draft Report

7/29: "We hear CINCINNATI leads for forward Omari Westley of Barton County JC. Maryland, Alabama, Iowa State, Fresno State and Mississippi State are also recruiting him." - Blue Chip Hoops

7/21: "After winning the NJCAA last season, his coach bolted to help
his dad revive UNLV. With a new coach arriving and changing
and adding his favor Omari Westley has decided to transfer.
The coach was very cool about and helpful in every way. A coach
like that deserve respect. Losing a top 10 jc player in the
country is not easy. Westley is headed to another powerhouse
Barton County were he knows the coach personally. Schools seeking
his signature include: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Texas, Maryland,
Missouri, UNCC, Xavier and others." - Ohio Preps

7/4: "Due to a coach(ing) change, Omari Westley has decided to transfer schools. Omari has signed with...Barton (JUCO) Kansas. - Ohio Preps

6/30: "Omari Westley, who attended Wabash Valley junior college last season, has decided to return for his sophomore season. There was talk about him transferring or sitting out a year at Cincinnati. Wabash won the NJCAA National title last season. Westley is listed on several publications as one of the top five players in the country returning. At this point Cincinnati leads Maryland, Alabama, South Florida and Xavier." - Ohio Preps (3 to 5)

6/13/01: "Another player I am sure Cincy will eyeball is 6-7 forward Omari Westley, who will likely attend Panola J.C. in Texas next year (he was a reserve for Wabash Valley's NJCAA title team this past season). Of course, Cincy recruited Westley out of high school and he does fit their uptempo style of play." - Russ Blake, Juco Junction

3/30: "Omari Westley averaged 11.5 ppg (during the Juco Tourney) with one off-game -- he scored only three against Dixie. His best performance was 18 against Allegany. Westley hit 73 percent from the field and 74 percent at the line. He led in rebounding with 26." - Mt Carmel Register JUCO Tournament coverage

3/25: "Antwain Barbour delivered the 2001 NJCAA championship with a vintage 21-point performance that sparked the Warriors to Saturday's 89-83 victory over No. 10 Allegany Community College, MD. Wabash Valley never trailed after opening a 7-0 lead. Allegany forced ties at 12, 23 and 25 behind Taylor's 12-point half and 12 second-chance points. But the Warriors finally broke down the Trojans' zone with their five 3-pointers in the final six minutes. Wabash Valley (35-1) beat Dixie State, Utah 76-73, Schoolcraft College, Mich., 94-88 in overtime and Barton County 90-77 to reach the finals. Omari Westley scored 18."

2/14: "Westley had 4pts and 3rebs in a win over Vincennes.

2/6: Wabash Valley is the number one JUCO in the country. - NJCAA.org

1/23: "Forward Omari Westley is shooting an incredible 86% from the floor and the team is making 71.3% of its shots. (The team has)not received much competition this season and are winning by an average 36.6 points per game." - Monter Draft News

1/15: Omari Westley scored 12 pts and had 4 reb's in a win. "Westley didn't get much time tonight," said Coach Spoonhour, "but got in there and just played really well. There's always going to be a guy in every game that I wish I could have played more." - Mt Carmel Register

12/31: changed from 2001 prospect to 2002 prospect, assuming he spends two years at a Juco. - Mike Ryan

12/22/00: WVC's Omari Westley leads the league in field goal shooting at 86 percent, having hit 32 of 37 shots. His teammate is Hiram Fuller. The team is currently 12-0. - Mt Carmel (ILL) Register

10/2: "Loyer also has on his roster 6-7 freshman forward Omari Westley, a Cleveland native who has indicated in the past that he wants to attend UC." - Cincy Post

9/6: "Cincy is still very much in the picture for Omari Westley, but the Westley camp has been...wondering if the Bearcats are still all that interested in him. This particularly happened after Cincy turned up the recruiting heat on Maxiell." - The Schmidt Bro's at AllStar Report

Wabash Valley JC is where John Loyer is the head coach. - Carey H.

8/31: "Omari Westley was first headed to Crispus Attucks prep for a 5th year, but a closing of the school changed that. Omari, decided on Brighton Academy in Maine. But in a strange twist last night, Omari has decided the junior college route is better. He committed to Mount Carmel (Wabash Valley J.C.), Illinois. When speaking with Omari he mentioned needing 5 core classes. Bringing his GPA up and raising his test score was too much to overcome in one year. He also mentioned distance was a factor." - Ohio Preps (grammar fixed by Mike...sheesh)

8/27: "I want to get to my new prep school and get settled in. Then meet with my new coach and see how he feels. But, basically Cincinnati, Xavier, UNCC and Miss. State are my choices. Cincinnati, Xavier and UNCC all are about even." - Omari Westley

8/23: "has finally decided on a prep school. He is headed to Brighton Prep in Massachusetts. Westley was original thought to be headed to Crispus Attack in York, PA. But, the school decided not to take anymore out of town players. Westley is ranked as the 5th best prep player in the country by HOOP SCOOP." - Ohio Preps

8/18: "This past week, the Crispus Attucks School Board voted that all of the players on next year's team are required to be York County residents. Omari Westley, a Cleveland-based prospect who is being recruited by Cincinnati and other top Division I schools, is headed to Millisburg Military Academy" - FastBreak

8/7: Quotes from Omari Westley's Mssg Board:
- "(Cincinnati has) offered but I need to get a few things in order before making a announcement."
- "Cincinnati still remain to be my leading school, but UNCC is closing in fast."
- "I hope (Jawad and I) decide to go college together because we can do the same thing (cause defensive problems for other teams)."
- "I'm undecided (as to the Prep School)at this point, but will make a decision sometime within two weeks. When a decision is made, my man Mike D., will post it on his site."
- Current favorites: Cincinnati, UNCC, Mississippi, Xavier and Maryland.


7/24: "a quick recap of the Best of the Summer Tournament being played at Cal State Dominguez Hills: Cleveland Basketball Club 82 Derek Smith All-Stars Black 74. GAME SUMMARY: In an often physical and sometimes chippy contest, Aaron Nichols hit a critical three pointer and Omari Westley dunked on a fast break to give CBC a 75-70 lead in the final minutes. The Clevelanders held on for the win to advance to Monday's Elite Eight round. Nichols scored 19 points to lead Cleveland while Westley and Mike Gansey added 14 points apiece. Mike Haney led Derek Smith with 17 points in the loss." - Insiders Report

7/19: 19th best PF in USA - " 6-7/192, York, Penn./Crispus Attucks -- Fresno State, Cincinnati, UNC-Charlotte, DePaul, Texas, Maryland, others.
Fifth-year senior from Cleveland's Kennedy H.S. Needs only to get academics in order. Averaged 24 ppg, 16.5 rpg, 5.7 apg last season." -Steve Wacaser, Sporting News

7/10: "Forward Omari Wesley (Crispus Attucks H.S./York, Pa.) is expected to verbally commit to Cincinnati some time during July. The 6-7 Wesley could conceivably play three positions. He handles the ball well and is very athletic, with the potential to become a strong perimeter defender." - ESPN/Recruiting USA camp notes

7/10: "Omari Westley 6'7 senior York (Crispus Attacks) PA.
Game 5 Stats: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assist, 0 turnovers, 0 steals, 4-9 fg, 1-3 3-pt, 1-2 ft.
Game 6 Stats: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assist, 0 turnovers, 1 steals, 3-7 fg, 0-1 3-pt, 2-2 ft.
Perf Grade:B+ - Ohio Preps

7/10: Selected to the ABCD Senior All Star game, July 10, 2000, however was injured for the game itself. - Insiders Report

7/8: "Game 1 Stats: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 turnovers, 2 steals, 1 block, 6 assist, 0-1 3-pt, 4-6 fg, 3-5 ft.
Game 2 Stats: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 0 turnovers, 2 steals, 2 block, 7 assist, 0-0 3-pt, 4-7 fg, 0-0 ft. Perf Grade: B+ - CASS Ohio, ABCD Camp stats

Omari Westley 6'7 205 senior York (Crispus Attucks) PA. Team: Hawks
Other Notable Players on Team:Sam Ibrahim 6'9 senior Atlanta (WD Mohammad) GA., Darius Hargrove 6'3 senior Warfield (Brunswick) VA., Darius Scott 6'6 senior Brockneck (HS) VA.
College of Interest: Cincinnati, Xavier, UNCC, Rutgers, Texas
Word of Note: His coach John Kuester was 2 time college All-American at North Carolina - CASS Ohio ABCD Pre-Camp Report

7/6: "Omari Westley, a 6-7, 235-pound forward from John F. Kennedy HS in Cleveland, Ohio, told Insiders Report that he actually will attend Crispus Attucks in York, Pa. Earlier reports from the 10th Annual DC Pro-Am had Westley moving on to Maine Central Institute. Westley was an integral cog in the Michigan Mustangs Pro-AM championship this past weekend at George Washington University's Smith Center. Westley averaged 17 ppg for the event including a high of 21 in the Mustangs 94-79 win over Jabbo Kenner in the first round of this event.
Westley was a force on the boards, grabbing 9 rebounds in the championship win on Sunday. Defensively, he matched up against the opponents strongest inside player; Omari more than held his own. While he was being recruited last year, Westley previously told us his top schools were UNCC, DePaul, Arkansas, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Cincinnati, Xavier of Ohio, and Georgia. He previously mentioned Ohio State, Virginia, Syracuse, Clemson, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Penn State. There is no doubt that Westley is a great talent and worth keeping an eye on this upcoming summer. Westley's challenge will be in the classroom. If he can get himself qualified, look out. Crispus Attucks is great place to do just that. - Insiders Report

7/6: "Word from the lobby of the Hilton Hasbrouk Heights, official camp headquarters, is that fifth-year forward Omari Westley could commit to the Cincinnati Bearcats before the adidas ABCD concludes. One source thinks it will happen sometime this week." - Rivals100Hoops

7/5: "The Michigan Mustangs beat the Illinois Fire, 74-62, in the championship game of the 2000 Bet/Pro-Am D.C. Summer Classic at George Washington University in Washington, DC last night. Taking care of business inside were 6'6 Quemont Greer from Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT with 11 points and 6'8 Omari Westley from York (Crispus Attucks) PA with 14 points, but Westley also showed he can step out and hit the 18-foot jumper, which makes the value of stock rise a little more." - PrepStars

7/1: "..will play this season at Maine Central Institute in Maine. Westley, who is playing for the Michigan Mustangs at the DC Pro AM, was impressive last night. He dropped in 21 points. While he was being recruited last year, Westley previously told us his top schools were UNCC, DePaul, Arkansas, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Cincinnati, Xavier of Ohio, and Georgia. He previously mentioned Ohio State, Virginia, Syracuse, Clemson, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Penn State. There is no doubt that Westley is a great talent and worth keeping an eye on this upcoming summer. Westley's challenge will be in the classroom. If he can get himself qualified, look out." - Insiders Report

6/27: "Mike Duncan says his star forward, 6'7 Omari Westley has a list of Cincinnati, Xavier, UNC-Charlotte and Maryland. Rumors are strong that Westley will verbally commit to Cincinnati soon, and Duncan did nothing to diffuse my belief in those rumors. Westley is a solid forward with a nice inside-out game, great ball handling skills and a defensive terror on the wings. - High Major Hoops

6/21: Omari was asked on his mssg board why he didnt commit to UC this past weekend and he responded: "My parents want to visit and talk with the coaches. So, I have to wait until they visit." He also said: "I had a great visit. I got to meet all the incoming freshmen, along with hanging out at the pro-am. I also, played some pick-up ball with the guys. Overall great visit." Brian Swift said that he accompanied Omari to Cincinnati and also went to the Summer League.

6/14: "Westley is a 6'7", 235 pound power forward from Cleveland, Ohio who has recently transferred to Crispus Attucks High School in York, PA will make an unofficial visit to Cincinnati this weekend. Sources tell us there is a good chance that Omari will commit this weekend if everything goes well. Omari had a very good weekend at the Chicago Showcase Tournament. Westley is strong and very athletic and outplayed bigger forwards at his same position." - BorderWars Hoops

6/13: "No doubt I want Jawad, Swift and Tolbert with me. Just think about that recruiting class #1. We all get along and could play together with(out) a problem. I will try and convince other players to follow me because I want to win. You only win with other great players around you." - Omari Westley

6/13: "I do have a unoffical visit set-up this weekend and a commitment is coming very soon." - Omari Westley (Separately, it was announced that Omari's visit is to Clifton)

6/6: from Omari's mssg board...
Q: Wesley, why Cincinnati ?
A: They produce NBA players, plus they have alot of games on television. I went their for a game and so many former players was there. It's a family atmosphere, as the new and former players talked with each others like they have known each other for years. Plus, with Huggins you get stronger and better because he pushes you to succeed. Also, Huggins tell you like it is and you either like it or not. He looked me in the eye and said 'if your not strong and weak minded then Cincinnati is not for you. Because I'm going to yell and scream at you.' Plus, if you ever been to a Cincinnati home game, you know why. The place is packed and the fans are crazy and loud. Cincinnati produce players and players have a dreams. - Omari Westley

6/6: "I'm watching all the colleges I like very closely. I will commitment early and sign in the fall. I know what I'm looking for in a college team and my decision will be based on a winning program, playing time, opportunity to get better and have a opportunity to play in the league. The decision will be mine and nobody else's." - Omari Westley

6/6: "I'm a combo-forward and will contribute at any one of the positions. It's good to be a combo because that way you can play any position and get playing time. What position I play in college doesn't matter." - Omari Westley

6/4: "Cleveland native Omari Westley, a 6-8 forward who will attend prep school at Crispus Attucks in York, Pa., wants to become a Bearcat and has played well enough in spring tournaments to command UC's attention. His recruitment may end well in advance of the November signing period." - Mike DeCourcy

5/22: "We (Jawad and Omari) have talked about going together. But, lately us both has been busy with are own AAU teams and we have not had much time to talk. I still hope we both attend the same college because I love playing with him and we are very good friends. Us playing together at the same college would be no problem. Jawad is a wing guard and forward, while I'm a wing and power forward. We'll be very good together and unstoppable. I truly hope we attend the same school. - Omari Westley

5/17: "I will visit Cincinnati, Xavier and Syracuse to this point. That might be the only three. All three are sucessful for developing forwards." - Omari Westley

5/14: "(Cincinnati) is my leading school and has been for over one year. I know the history and the their develop(ment) of forwards. - Omari Westley

5/5: "I hear it alot also (that Omari is talented enough to go to the NBA early), but I'm still working on my game everyday. I plan on staying in college at least three years. I'll like to reform some areas of my game some more and then try the league. But, I have my eye on the league and working hard daily to amke my career dream come true." - Omari Westley

5/2: two postings from Omari from his mssg board at CASSOhio.
Omari posted on 5/2 4:47 pm
"I decided to go to prep because I see how it has help a friend of mine name Tory Reed. Also, I'll be able to play college ball four years. I just don't want to sit out a year and watch basketball. I'm a basketball junkie and has to play."
Omari posted on 5/2 4:53 pm
"Cincinnati is still my number one choice and I probably (will) commit this summer. But, other colleges has been inquiring about me and I list(en)."

4/7: "6'7, 205 pounds, 18 years old, senior. Four year varsity starter. Has been involved with basketball since the age of eight. Played AAU ball since the 8th grade. He also, played some football in is younger days. He shares a good love and passion for football. Works on his basketball game everyday. > THE ROAD: Played three years of varsity basketball at Cleveland JFK before spending his senior year at East Cleveland Shaw. Fall of 2000, Omari will be headed to prep school at Cripus Attacks in York, Pennsylvania after looking at Millersburg and Maine Central Institute prep schools. He had a big summer in 99 making top 25 at the prestigious Adidas ABCD camp, were he faced some of best talent in the country. Omari, also out played Scott Hazleton (Connecticut signee) and Reo Logan (Miami/ Florida signee) in head to head competition, which helped his stock rise. He also, made several all tournament teams in majority of AAU tournaments he participated in this past summer. > STYLE: Plays with all out attitude on both ends of the floor. He's been compared to (Seattle's Ruben Patterson). He's one of the most athletic kids in the country. Omari, is more a power then finesse player who likes to flash on the baseline and drop you off with one of his high flying dunks. He isn't afraid of contact and will bang with his thin frame. > BY THE NUMBERS: 20.4 ppg, 14.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 5 steals, 3 blocks, 65% fg, 75% ft and 37% 3-pt fg. He has scored over 1800 points and pulled down over 1100 rebounds in his high school career. A complete team player that sacrifices alot for the good of the team. > PEERS: Throughout his career he has faced several top notch players. Omari, is a true competitor and never avoids the best players. He's looked up as a warrior among warriors. He considered top 5 in Ohio by Ohio Roundball, top 2 by Midwest Hoops, top3 by Ohio Preps and finally top 4 by Hoop Scoop. On, the national scene he's rated anywhere from top 40 to 75 by several publications. > HE IS COMPARED TO: Ruben Patterson and Stacy Augmon. > COLLEGES: Cincinnati has a edge over Syracuse, Arkansas, Frenso State, Texas, Xavier and Rutgers. Don't be surprised if this kid commits early this summer. > SUMMER PLANS: Play AAU basketball for Cleveland Basketball Club, attend several high major events: Elite 8, Virginia Shootout, Adidas Bigtime, Adidas Best of Best, Ohio/Michigan Top 100 Showcase, Jerry Watson Memorial Classic, Hoop Festival and any others. > COMMENTS: Omari was to attend Millersburg but when two of his AAU buddies applied to Cripus Attacks, he decided to follow. CASS OHIO.RIVALS SITE

3/23/00: "listed as 2nd best player in Ohio. - MidWest Hoops

2/21/00: "At this point they are going over my grades and I'll either go to Cincinnati this fall or next fall. But, I'm a Bearcat for sure." - Omari Westley, from Randy Shinkle.