BELLE- It had felt like a very long time since the Greenbrier East Lady Spartans were on the basketball court. I even thought to myself yesterday that it almost feels like their season was over and no one told me.
Having not played since Dec. 27, the Lady Spartans hit the road to Riverside to face the Lady Warriors, a team East defeated by 40 points just three weeks ago. After getting settled in, the Spartans came back home with a solid 57-43 victory on Monday night, Jan. 8.
In the opening quarter, it was basically the Spartans against Riverside freshman Ava Ward. Ward scored all nine points for her team during the opening session, but the Spartans had more balance in their attack. Kenedy Stewart knocked down a 3 to start things off and Jada Waller followed with a jumper. Hannah Fuller got a couple buckets down low, Stewart hit another trifecta and Kala Waller did as well at the buzzer and the Spartans had a 15-9 lead after one.
A quick 7-0 run to begin the second was fueled by Fuller, who had two scores inside, and MacKenna McClure, who got loose and knocked down an open 3-pointer. At that point, East had extended their lead to 22-11 midway through the period. The Spartans version of Ava the freshman, Ava Workman, put in a layup right before the halftime buzzer and the Spartans lead was 26-18 at the half.
East (8-3) used the third quarter as an opportunity to put the game away and that is what they did. They used another mini 7-0 run to increase their lead to 33-18, then after a 3 and a steal and bucket from Workman and another Stewart make from distance, East led 41-23. That lead would grow to 44-25 after three quarters on yet another Stewart triple.
Riverside (1-8) made their run in the fourth and showed some resiliency as they had trimmed the East lead to 53-43 with around a minute to go, but the Spartans ran out the clock the rest of the way and held on for their fifth consecutive win.
East shot 42 percent for the game including 8-of-26 from three-point range. The Spartan defense held the Warriors to just 37 percent shooting.
Stewart (5 made threes) and Fuller tied for the team lead in scoring with 15 points apiece. Fuller also pulled down 7 rebounds and blocked three shots. Workman tallied 13 points and 6 steals.
Ward led the Warriors with a game-high 25 points and 13 rebounds.
This win sets up a showdown this Friday night at Spartan Gym as East will host the Woodrow Wilson Lady Flying Eagles, their biggest rival. Fans are encouraged to come out and pack the stands. Beckley is just 3-6 this season but have played a tough schedule.
Stats courtesy of Oldies 93.
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