Special Awards

Chase Barron Anderson graduated from Bellevue High School in 2007 and went on to attend the University of Washington. As a senior at Bellevue, he was a three-sport athlete and male athlete of the year. He played football, basketball, and track and excelled in each sport with his tremendous athleticism. During his senior year of basketball, he played a huge role in helping lead the team to the highest finish ever in school history. His love and passion for the game of basketball continually grew with the experiences he shared with his coaches and teammates.

In April 2008, Chase tragically passed away and left an everlasting impact on both the Bellevue High School basketball program and community. He possessed all the qualities of a top-notch athlete, but his most impressive qualities could be seen in the way he interacted with those around him.

Since 2009, a student on each Bellevue High School boys varsity basketball team has carried the honor of wearing Chase’s #10 jersey. This season, the coaching staff asked Hudson Hansen, a junior captain, to continue this tradition. Hudson is an exemplary teammate and is respected by his coaches and his peers for his humble, team-oriented attitude. Hudson joins a growing list of Bellevue alumni who have represented the team-first, optimistic, and caring qualities that define #10 jersey, including:

2020 Hudson Hansen

2019 Luke Metter

2018 Spencer Birkeland

2017 Jack Anderson

2016 Cole Cirillo

2015 Gunther Klimes

2014 Timmy Haehl

2011 John Ahrens

2010 Nate Sikma

2009 Cam Warren

His stature was smaller and his fingers short, but Brandy West was a presence. He played big. He took command of the court as point guard and his basketball IQ was off the charts. A former high school basketball coach watching Brandy at a game just before his death commented,  “That number 5 is who I would pick for my team. He is an incredible ball handler.” His teammate Danny Dicks said, “I have never seen such a pretty jump shot - he was money.”

He led the team by example, consistently lifting, training and sweating in the off-season so that November would bring his best. He inspired his team to be better, play with more heart and hustle, leading them to victory in the ‘97-’98 season in district playoffs, a success BHS had not seen in five years. His coach, Jeremy Eggers, said it best, “Brandy West was one of the hardest working and most coachable players I have ever coached. For him to be as talented as he was and to have those two qualities, made Brandy an outstanding young man and basketball player. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him and coach him.”

On and off the court, he had a great big smile, open arms and hugs that were famous. Those hugs were not just saved for friends, but for his family too, even in front of packed bleachers. He was comfortable being Brandy, and that meant showing love. Brandy had a unique way of making every person, no matter who they were, feel important and valued. He listened. His deep faith spoke for itself in the way he treated others with kindness. Brandy was a guy with a lot of charm, a lot of friends and a lot of heart.

Each year, the senior class nominates students to receive the Brandon West Inspirational Heart Award. The words on the award perfectly describe Brandy...

To always give your best,

To be respectful and kind,

To be a devoted friend,

To reach out to others,

To lead by example

...is to have heart.