Submitted photo Westlake High School graduate Juwan Strothers signed his letter of intent to play basketball at Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia. In the front row, from left, are Jocelyn Fletcher, Juwan's grandmother, Juwan Strothers and Lucretia Strothers, Juwan's grandmother. In the middle row are Tyler McGee, Juwan's friend, left, Raymond Strothers, Juwan's grandfather, Gloria Yancey, Juwan's mother, Sharron Strothers, Juwan's aunt, and Lakia Jamerson, Juwan's cousin. In the back row are Charles Yancey, Juwan's stepfather, left, Warren Fletcher, Juwan's grandfather, Cottrell Wise, Juwan's friend, Cimodi Strothers, Juwan’s cousin, Diara Strothers, Juwan's cousin, Karen Strothers, Juwan’s aunt and Angela Middleton, Juwan's aunt.

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Westlake High graduate Strothers signs to play hoops with Davis & Elkins

By AJ MASONStaff writer

Transferring from Surrattsville High School in Prince George’s County to Westlake was a big transition for Juwan Strothers in his senior season.

The transition did not hinder Strothers’ productive winter for the Wolverines’ boys basketball team, as he possessed athleticism and leaping ability around the basket.

The recent Westlake High School graduate will make an even bigger transition, recently inking his letter of intent to Division II’s Davis & Elkins College in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“It feels good to go to college and play the game that I love,” said the 17-year-old Strothers, who signed on May 15. “I definitely appreciate all the support from my family, friends and coaches. This is a great opportunity to go to the next level.”

Strothers had interests in Slippery Rock (Pa.), Goldey-Beacom College (Del.) and Post University (Conn.), but he felt Davis & Elkins was the right move.

“When I went on the visit, it was [a] small campus and that was best for me, so I could [focus] on my grades,” Strothers said. “With it being small, I have more one-on-one interaction with the teachers. I got to meet the players and I connected with the coaching staff.”

The West Virginia institution, which is located in Elkins, is nestled in the mountains and is a small liberal arts college that holds more than 750 students.

“I definitely didn’t know anything about this school,” said Strothers, who will major in business administration in the fall. “I like the environment and it will be a huge transition from Maryland to West Virginia. I will have to get used to it.”

Strothers, who was a second-team All-SMAC and second-team All-County selection last winter, averaged a little more than 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals per game for the Wolverines. He helped them to a 14-9 overall record, advancing to the Class 3A South Region semifinals, falling to Potomac of Prince George’s County.

In what would be his final high school contest, Strothers had 20 points and 10 rebounds, which included four dunks.

“In Prince George’s County I faced a lot of stiff competition,” he said, “but in Southern Maryland there is some great ball as well. This area has gained a lot of respect.”

Under Davis & Elkins head coach Bruce Martin and assistant Cameron Westbrook, Strothers can make an immediate impact on the wing for a team that finished 8-19, 4-18 in the WVIAC.

“First of all he is very explosive and has a quick first step,” Westlake athletic director Dominic Zaccarelli said. “He is also very athletic and has great body control through traffic. He creates opportunities for himself and his teammates. These are the things that attracted Davis & Elkins and I think he will do fine at the next level.”

Zaccarelli mentioned the type of person Strothers is off the court.

“Juwan has a good head on his shoulders and worked hard in the classroom,” the former Westlake head football coach said.

Strothers noted what the transition will be at the next level.

“The speed of the game will be a lot faster in college,” Strothers said. “The pace will be quicker and I will be going against guys that are 21 or 22 years old.

“I have been working on my shooting and dribbling, those are things that I need to improve on at the college level.”

When asked what he will miss about high school basketball, Strothers simply said it made his career.

“I will miss my friends at Surrattsville, the coaches, and the rivalry games,” he said. “Westlake was also fun in my final year, and my teammates, friends, coaches and teachers supported me. I would like to thank everyone. It was a fun ride.”

ajmason@somdnews.com