February 21, 2005
Chandler High guard Lawrence Westbrook had a very offensive season. Now he’s leaving.
Chandler coach Mike Ellsworth said Sunday that Westbrook has left the program to seek fortunes elsewhere next year.
Westbrook, a junior, was the state’s leading scorer this season, averaging 40 points a game. Westbrook scored 43 points in what proved to be Chandler’s final game of the season, a 79-68 loss to Gilbert High in the first round of the 5A Fiesta Region tournament at Gilbert.
Chandler’s postseason hopes came down to the wire Sunday, with the Wolves being edged out for the last of four wild card state tournament spots by Phoenix North Canyon. Chandler finished the season with a 10-15 record.
Had Chandler advanced to the postseason, Westbrook would not have played in the opening round against Mountain Pointe, Ellsworth said. Westbrook skipped practices after the Gilbert loss, completing a tumultuous season.
‘‘I wish him luck,’’ said Ellsworth, who is in his first year at Chandler after moving from Phoenix Trevor Browne. ‘‘I could never communicate with him or his dad. We’ll regroup and have a good team next year. I was hoping for a better year. This was the toughest year I’ve ever had in coaching.’’
