Opponents unite on court to remember teen

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio

Steubenville Big Red'sbasketball season resumed after a brief break in Lee West’s honor.  The 15-year-old died Tuesday night in a house fire on Virginia Ave.

 On Friday night, Big Red’s opponent, John Marshall,  brought a gift and a show of support with them, a $1,100 donation to West’s family.

 The team presented the check to the family before the game at center court.  Big Red players also presented his family with the same shirts the team was wearing, donning the freshman’s No. 23 and the words “Walk with Lee.”

After a brief moment of silence, it was time for tip off.  And just seconds into the game, almost in honor of West, his cousin, Periogn West, put the first points on the board.

Lee West’s mother, Cookie West, said she is just overwhelmed with all of the support.

 “Everbody has been awesome, and you know that’s what my son was about, goodness.  He showed it in his everyday walk,” said Cookie West.

 Steubenville High School Principal Shawn Crosier said the community has really pulled through.

 “Nobody ever expected the John Marshall basketball team to show up with a donation the way they went out and collected that money on their own to present to the family.  Steubenville, the Ohio Valley is just an amazing place,” said Crosier.

 “There was a reason for him to be able to go out and meet all these people and touch their lives within the 15 years that he was alive,” said Cookie West.

 While she could not believe he is gone, his mother said she knows he will always be watching out for her.

 “He always told me, 'Mom, I’m going to take care of you.  I’m going to take care of you when I get big.'  And you know, what bigger can you get but being by God?” she said.

 His younger sister, Elexis, also spoke about her brother.  “He is going to be my guardian angel.  I’ll just remember him and if I am good, I’ll go up there, too, with God,” said Elexis Martin.

 The Big Red boosters raised $2,900 during Friday’s game for the West family.

 The boosters plan on raising more money during the next couple of games.