Other Westlake basketball players have scored more points. A few have drawn more attention from college scouts, and a handful has earned more individual accolades.

But as a group, no class in Westlake’s 40-year history can boast a deeper reservoir of talent than the senior core that hopes to make its final season special. And such opinion isn’t limited to the Austin area: The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches places the Chaps No. 5 in its preseason Class 5A state poll.

Three seniors on this year’s squad – Cody Doolin, Connor Kemper and Gus Leeper – have a cumulative 10 years of varsity experience. The trio of college-bound ballers has led the Chaps to three consecutive playoff appearances, including a 25-8 record a year ago and a spot in the second round.

And if that first-round playoff win doesn’t impress, consider Westlake’s history: Despite having elite players in the past such as Chris Mihm, Luke Axtell and Brad Buckman, the Chaps have advanced past the first round of the Class 5A playoffs just three other times.

“Those seniors are something special,” Westlake coach Tres Ellis said, adding returning letter winners Carl Meyertons, Keaton Lancashire and Jeremy Cox to the conversation. “I don’t even want to think about when they’re gone.”

If the Chaps meet their coach’s high expectations, Ellis may have plenty of games to enjoy the present. Westlake averaged 68.6 points a game in its first year in Ellis’ high-octane attack and outscored foes by an average of almost 15 points a game. Those statistics prove particularly impressive considering the quality of play in District 25-5A, which includes salty programs such as Pflugerville, Bowie and Akins.

“I think the district helps us,” Ellis said. “We have to be ready to play every night, and that only toughens you up for the playoffs.”

In particular, Doolin shined under Ellis. The 6-foot-2-inch point guard, who has committed to the University of San Francisco, earned district Most Valuable Player honors after averaging 19.2 points, 6.2 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 steals a game.

Despite Doolin’s ability in the open court, Ellis said his glut of frontcourt size might slow the team down this season.

“I’ve been trying to work more halfcourt to take advantage of what we have, Ellis said. “I’ve never had this much size before, and I want us to take advantage of that.”

The 6-6 Kemper, a three-year starter at forward, will likely spend most of his time on the wing to take advantage of his outside shooting. Kemper put up 15.6 points per game a year ago and tied for team-high honors with 41 three-pointers. He also pulled down a team-best 7.5 rebounds a game.

Leeper developed into a shot-blocking beast with a district-best 93 last season, and the 6-8 post added a long-range set shot to his arsenal. The ambidextrous 6-5 Meyertons “will probably be our best low-post scorer,” said Ellis.

Promising 6-6 sophomore Drew Wikelius, who garnered invaluable varsity experience as a freshman, has recovered from some nagging injuries and will provide interior muscle off the bench.

Returners Lancashire and Hagen Fell will man the backcourt next to Doolin.
“We have some lofty goals this year, but I think the team is ready to meet them,” Ellis said.

And make a little more Chap history.