As first reported on my Twitter, Westwind (Az.) Prep coach Gary Trousdale has left the West Coast powerhouse and is starting a new program at La Jolla (Calif.) Prep.
“I have resigned from Westwind prep to move to my hometown, San Diego,” Trousdale said by email.
“My father was diagnosed with ALS May 10 and felt I had to move to be closer and help with his battle. In the process I have decided to start La Jolla Prep, a National high School and Post Grad basketball program (www.wavehoops.com).
“Coach Bobby Bossman (Postgraduate Head Coach) and TJ Parry (Associate Head Coach PG) have decided to join me. With a National program in Southern California I expect for Wave Basketball to have greater success than we had at Westwind Prep. A National Championship is our goal for both programs.”
Adam Desautels is the interim head coach at Westwind, according to TheHuskyHaul.com.
Trousdale initially said he wanted to build Westwind into “Oak Hill West” and then proceeded to lead the school to the Arizona 2A state title.
Chris Thomas, the 2013 stud who left Bowie (Md.) Princeton Day for Westwind in February, could join the La Jolla team, though that is not confirmed.
“Chris returning to Westwind is not an option for him,” Trousdale said.
He added that, “Nobody else has been approached about transferring.”
Westwind also features 6-6 2012 wing Demarquise Johnson, who reportedly holds offers from Gonzaga, San Diego State, Washington, New Mexico, Virginia, Boston College, Colorado, Oregon State and Minnesota, and 6-9 Richard Peters, who decommitted from Oklahoma.
Trousdale expects to carry on at La Jolla.
“With the interest we have seen over the last three days, we expect to have high major players thoughout both rosters,” he said.
