Matthews was The News Tribune’s 2017-18 All-Area Player of the Year. Late in the season, he had 40 points and 13 rebounds against Central Kitsap and 31 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks against Kelso.
He earned the 3A Pierce County league MVP and the 3A senior state player of the year from the state coaches’ association. Matthews finished his career with 1,614 career points and 744 rebounds. He ended as Woodrow Wilson’s all-time winningest player with 80 victories.
“Obviously, Emmitt brings added athleticism and shot-making ability to the perimeter,” West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said. “He’s also big enough and athletic enough to be a very effective rebounder at both ends of the floor. With his athleticism, he should fit perfectly into Press Virginia.”
As a junior, Matthews averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds per game and led his team to the 3A state tournament. He was named to The News Tribune’s All-Area Team.
According to 247Sports, Matthews is ranked as the No. 163 overall player in the Class of 2018 and the No. 3 player from the state of Washington.
He is part of a six-man class at West Virginia that includes point guard Jordan McCabe, shooting guard Trey Doomes, power forward Derek Culver and junior college transfers Jermaine Haley and Andrew Gordon. Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter And like ZAGS on Facebook