Northwestern signee Jake West shares his reaction to the commitment of hooper Jamal Hicks II

By Rey Alcaraz

Modified Jan 09, 2025 19:01 GMT

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Northwestern signee Jake West cheered on his William Penn Charter teammate, Jamal Hicks II, who announced his commitment to Division II St. Thomas Aquinas College, on Instagram on Monday.

Sharing a post of Hicks in an STAC jersey, West wrote:

"@malh1cks_ congratulations, they got a steal ❤️."

Penn Charter coach Brandon Williams tweeted on Monday:

"And one of the hardest working kids I know is off the board! I had no clue that Jamal was joining the PC family when I arrived, but boy was he a blessing 🙏🏽"

At Penn Charter, the two standout guards forged a connection that drove their team’s success during the 2023-2024 season.

Their chemistry was evident during the Inter-Ac League Championship in February, when Penn Charter faced formidable Episcopal Academy. With the title on the line, both players rose to the occasion.

West led the scoring with 22 points, while Hicks added 21 points, six rebounds and three steals, securing a hard-fought 68-62 victory. The win delivered Penn Charter its first outright league title in two decades, cementing the pair’s legacy in the school’s basketball history.

@jakewestt3: https://www.instagram.com/jakewestt3/

West and Hicks: A tale between two friends and a basketball

Jamal Hicks II, a 6-foot-2 guard known for his scoring and defensive tenacity, and Jake West, a 6-3 point guard celebrated for his leadership and court vision, brought different but equally impactful strengths to the Penn Charter roster. West, who signed with Big Ten school Northwestern in November, was the engine behind the team’s success.

Throughout the season, they consistently complemented each other. West’s ability to distribute the ball and control the game tempo allowed Hicks to shine.

Together, they elevated their team’s play, culminating in an unforgettable season.

The duo’s partnership didn’t end with the league title. In the PAISAA Tournament later that month, Hicks and West once again showcased their ability to dominate together. In an 86-59 blowout against Friends Select, West led the charge with 23 points, while Hicks contributed 16 points, proving their chemistry on the court wasn’t just a fluke but a blueprint for Penn Charter’s success.