Winfrey III eager to be reunited with DeShields at PennWest California
Submitted photo
When Calvin Winfrey III steps onto the court for PennWest California, he won’t see too many familiar faces, but he will be playing alongside one Uniontown native.
Winfrey, who scored 1,460 points during his career at Uniontown under head coach Rob Kezmarsky, will be reunited with Laurel Highlands graduate Keondre DeShields, who started his career with the Red Raiders.
“We are the only players from Uniontown on their roster,” Winfrey said. “He played for LH during my freshman and sophomore seasons, but we grew up and played together. It is cool to play with someone that I know from Uniontown. I feel a lot better playing with him than against him.”
DeShields played his freshman season at Uniontown before finishing his high school career at Laurel Highlands. The Mustangs won the WPIAL title in DeShields’ junior year. He started his collegiate career playing football for Saint Francis University before transferring to PennWest California.
“I think what Keondre (DeShields) has done shows you can make it no matter where you come from,” Winfrey said. “It is always a great feeling to know that people come out of our area and do good things.”
Winfrey finished his career with the Red Raiders as the third-leading scorer in program history, but he will be used as a point guard when he takes the court for the Vulcans.
“I will play at point guard, so I probably won’t be scoring as much, but any role is fine with me,” Winfrey said. “I just want to get in and do my part. California has a solid team, and I hope we can get a championship.”
Winfrey plans on studying physical therapy and sports management. He is eager to make his own mark while being close to home.
Winfrey’s parents, Calvin Jr. and Tierra, were happy with his choice.
“My mom was really happy that I chose a school that was close to home,” Winfrey said. “My dad said he would have been fine with any decision in regards to the school I was going to attend. My grandpa (Calvin Winfrey Sr.) is very happy. It will be different not having him as the scorekeeper, but I know he will be there as a fan.”
Winfrey took a visit to the campus, but he was already familiar after visiting friends and taking academic trips with the guidance counselor at Uniontown.
“I know my way around the campus, but it was still nice to take a visit,” Winfrey said. “I will be moving in the early part of August. I was able to meet the coaching staff. The head coach (Danny Sancomb) is a good coach, and I know he will push me to be better every day.”
While Winfrey is eager to get his start at the next level, he will never forget his time as a Red Raider, which included trips to the WPIAL and state semifinals.
“Playing basketball for a program like Uniontown was very special,” Winfrey said. “I am honored to have been a part of a school with such a rich tradition in basketball. My dad was one of the assistant coaches and my grandpa was the team’s scorekeeper, which made it even better.”