FAIRLEA- Typically, high school basketball teams that roll out a freshman and a sophomore to lead the backcourt in the highest class of play in West Virginia can be a recipe for disaster.
However, the Greenbrier East Lady Spartans have reversed that trend with their young dynamic duo of Kennedy Stewart (soph.) and Ava Workman (Frosh).
During one of East’s preseason games, I received a text message that said: “I don’t know who number one is (Workman), but that girl can play some ball.”
Now, she is no longer a stranger.
Winners of six in a row, the Lady Spartans lean on their young backcourt each game on both sides of the floor. Both Stewart and Workman can score the ball consistently whereas Stewart likes to pull up from deep (41 made 3-pointers) and Workman has shown to be more of a slasher and finisher at the rim. On defense, Stewart always knows where to be (2.5 steals per game) and Workman has basically been labeled a thief as she leads the team in steals (3.9) and can take the ball from the surest of ballhandlers.
The youngest of the two, Workman, does not mind being known as a defensive stalwart. In fact, she thinks of herself that way too.
“I feel like when I am playing, I play with a more defensive mindset. I usually take advantage of when they (opposing players) are trying to make a play so I can catch them off guard,” Workman said.
Stewart’s success began last year when the sophomore burst onto the scene as a ninth grader to compliment her older sister Cadence, who is the second all-time leading scorer in East history. Kennedy, who averages 16 points per game and five rebounds, admits that last season prepared her for this year and built her confidence even more.
“The experience that I gained last year has helped me tremendously. It has helped me with my confidence and leadership skills,” Kennedy stated.
Workman, averaging 13.3 points per contest, did not have a high school season to prepare her, but she did play travel ball against some tough competition which has made her transition to this level much easier.
“Well, I think it was very easy for me to get used to playing high school because I play very high-level travel basketball all summer,” Workman said.
“Every game was very fast, so it wasn’t hard adjusting to high school,” she added.
So far through 12 games, Stewart and Workman have worked well together which has helped the Spartans to a 9-3 record, and Stewart knows if things are not going well for either for some reason, the other one will step up when they need to.
“I feel like our games complement each other well. If one of us is off, the other picks up the slack,” Stewart said.
On the court, each girl has their skill, talent, and personality. But off it, family comes first and gets all the credit for their successes.
“My family has always had my back and pushes me to be the best player and person I can be,” Stewart stated.
Workman had the same thoughts.
“First of all, they are hands down my biggest fans. They always help me get to and from places, even if it’s 10 hours away,” Workman said.
“My dad usually will break down film for me and go shoot with me any time of the day. My mom is definitely my biggest supporter. She always tells me to shine bright and play like I can play. So, thank you mom and dad. I would also like to thank God for giving me the gift to be able to play basketball,” Workman continued.
The ultimate goal of heading to Charleston for the state tournament is not lost on Stewart or Workman. Both girls understand that team goals come first and that individual ones will follow closely behind if they are meant to be.
“For my team, I think all our goals are to make it to the state tournament even if we don’t win. It would just be great for the team to be there and get that experience. Personally, I would like to make one of the all-state teams and just be successful throughout my whole high school career,” Workman said with a smile.
“Keep improving each game as a team, win the section and region, and go to Charleston,” Stewart echoed.
And what about passing her sister’s scoring record in a couple more years?
“Individual goals are great but at the end of the day my true goal is for our team to get to Charleston for the next three years,” Stewart reiterated.
“Eventually, when the numbers are added up, I will hopefully have bragging rights,” Stewart concluded.
Come check out Stewart, Workman, and the rest of their Lady Spartan teammates when they host Jefferson on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM at Spartan Gym, weather permitting.
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