New era for Westover basketball nears

ALBANY — When the first basketball bounces across the hardwood floor inside Westover High School’s new gymnasium this fall, it will signal much more than the opening of a new building.

It will mark the beginning of a new chapter for one of Southwest Georgia’s most storied basketball programs.

After decades inside the building affectionately known as The Boston Garden, the Patriots are preparing to move into a state-of-the-art gymnasium that Westover principal William Chunn says remains on schedule for an Oct. 31 opening.

If construction continues on its current pace, Westover’s boys and girls basketball teams will tip off the 2026-27 season in their new home.

“Everything is going as planned and on schedule,” Chunn said. “We definitely have plans to play our 2026-27 basketball schedule in our new gymnasium.”

For Chunn, who has served as Westover’s principal for the past 26 years, the project represents far more than bricks, steel and polished maple flooring.

It is the realization of a dream shared by generations of Patriots.

“We have waited a very long time for this new gym and I know all Patriots will be proud just as I am,” Chunn said. “Our faculty, staff, students, players, parents and alumni truly deserve this.”

When the Dougherty County School Board approved construction of a new gymnasium last year as part of a sweeping renovation of the Westover campus, Chunn made it clear the Patriots deserved more than simply renovating the aging facility that had served the school for decades.

Now, that vision is quickly becoming reality.

The new gymnasium will seat approximately 2,000 spectators and include amenities unimaginable when the original building opened. Plans call for a VIP multipurpose room, a memorabilia area celebrating Westover athletics, expanded concession and dining areas, a weight room, athletic training room, equipment and storage rooms, boys and girls locker rooms for both home and visiting teams, coaches’ offices, meeting rooms, laundry facilities, an officials room and a dedicated sound room.

The gym is the centerpiece of a larger campus improvement project that also includes renovations to the auditorium, expanded music facilities, administrative offices and parking improvements.

Few high school basketball programs in Georgia can match Westover’s tradition.

Over the years, the Patriots have captured multiple state championships, produced Division I talent and built a reputation as one of the state’s premier basketball powers. For thousands of former players, students and fans, basketball at Westover has always meant one thing — The Boston Garden.

The nickname wasn’t accidental.

Years ago, Chunn chose to honor legendary coach Willie Boston by naming the school’s gym after the man who helped establish Westover basketball as a perennial contender.

“It was a pleasure for me to name our old gym, The Boston Garden, after legendary basketball coach Willie Boston,” Chunn said.

Now another question has become one of the hottest topics among alumni and supporters.

What will the new gym be called?

“The anticipation of the opening of this new gym is at an all-time high from Patriots all across the Patriot Nation,” Chunn said. “They all are curious of what the name of the new gym will be.”

For now, Chunn isn’t revealing the answer.

“I simply tell them that they fell in love with Westover during their four years here,” he said. “Well, you can imagine my love for Westover after 26 years here.”

He offered only one playful promise.

“To the Patriot Nation,” Chunn said, “I got this.”

While excitement continues to build, Chunn made sure to recognize those responsible for bringing the project to life.

“A tip of the hat to JCI Contractors along with SRJ Architects, Volkert and Artesian Contracting Company,” he said. “They have done a very fine job of keeping this project on schedule and I truly appreciate their professionalism.”

The first games have yet to be played. The first championship banner has yet to be hung. New memories have yet to be made.

But after years of waiting, Westover basketball finally can see the finish line.

On Halloween, one of Southwest Georgia’s proudest basketball traditions is expected to have a new home.