FAIRLEA- The Greenbrier East Lady Spartans (14-0) have been a consistent team in West Virginia high school basketball for the last few years and this season, have been the top ranked Class AAA team for the majority of the season.
There are many reasons for the Spartans’ success, whether it’s because of their prolific starting lineup or their stellar guard play, Greenbrier East is getting it done night in and night out.
One of those starters who has been a key factor in 2025-26 is senior Sandy Banton.
Banton, who arrived at Greenbrier East her sophomore year, was fresh off a Class A state championship for Christian Schools as a freshman with Seneca Trail Christian Academy. But STCA was not going to have enough girls to have a team the following season, so she decided to transfer–along with her sister, Josie–to Greenbrier East and the Lady Spartans reaped the benefits.
Banton’s reputation in the green and gold quickly developed as a lockdown defender and as a scrappy player that hustled and played hard 100 percent of the time. However, her offense is not too shabby either as she has the ability to score in a variety of ways, especially knocking down shots from beyond the 3-point line.
After coming off the bench and acting as the sixth man each of the last two seasons, Banton has started all year this season and has elevated her game even more, but her style of play and mindset has never changed as she averages 7.2 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals.
“Well, before coming to East my sophomore year, I had been a starter for STCA and even though the competition is different, I had always started with as much energy as I could give. So, finally starting this year, I had kept my mindset that I have always had–I have a role to play, and I need to play it to the best of my ability. Even though my initial bench/starting role changed, my goal never did,” Banton explained.
And frankly, the senior does not care what her role is, she just knows she will play whatever her coaches ask of her.
“Honestly I couldn’t care less what position I am given because I know that even if I don’t start the game, coach will use me because he sees the potential and energy I give to the team,” Banton said.
“Starting the game is an honor but I know that if I’m not starting the game I will make that impact as soon as I go in the game like I always try to do. I don’t mind not starting if coach thinks it’s what’s best for the team during that game,” she added.
In a recent game against James River, Banton–who is shooting 36 percent from 3–suffered a broken nose in the first half after some hard contact. After missing the game against St. Albans, she is expected back soon but will have a brand-new challenge she will try and conquer.
“I am now going to have to try and learn how to play with a face guard on because of my nose getting broken, so, something that will be different to get used to.”
Once she adjusts to her new head gear, Banton will be happy to be back as she feels her overall game is more balanced this year.
“I think that I have put in a lot of work to give something in every aspect of the game, every game. I don’t have my wild moments like I used to and that has really helped me evolve as a player. My teammates have also showed that they trust me more and don’t mind me playing my role, making me feel more balanced,” she stated.
Another factor helping Banton along her path is the support of her family and without them, Banton realizes that path would not be possible.
“My parents have always pushed and gave me everything I have needed,” Sandy said.
“When I had asked them to find me a travel team, they did. When I told them I didn’t love the game anymore, they helped me figure out what the problem was and finally get my spark back. My mom and dad are definitely my biggest supporters. Another thing is most people don’t realize that I have three other siblings and even though they aren’t at every game, all three of them have pushed me to be a better basketball player since I was four to five years old. So, my family has pushed me and supported me through a lot,” she said thankfully.
As the season progresses through the stretch run, the Lady Spartans will try to keep winning and retain that number 1 ranking and although Banton knows what they have to do to keep it, she also understands that as the top ranked team in the state, her and her teammates are the hunted now.
“Being the number one team in the state feels amazing knowing we have all put the work in, but it’s not a guarantee for anything because l know that every team in the state is aiming for us, but that is what is making us keep pushing,” Banton said.
“For us to stay on top right now, we’ve got to become 5-in-1 any time we are on the court. We need to play as a team, and we really need to give it everything when we step onto that court because the moment we stop playing as a team and not giving it our all, is the moment we start to fall apart.”
Staying on top, as she says, would eventually mean hoisting a state title trophy and Banton is hopeful to achieve that goal and she wants it not just for herself, but the entire Spartan community as well.
“Getting there is a success, but I wouldn’t be proud of myself if we didn’t get the state title. We are the #1 ranked team right now and we need to hold onto that title until the season starts next year. We need that title to show people that we are deserving of being the number one team in the state.”
“Getting back (to Charleston) would mean everything to me because this is my last chance and I want this for me, for the team, for coach, even for all of our fans. No one thinks we deserve it, but we do and we are hungry for it,” Banton concluded.
Catch Sandy and the Lady Spartans this Saturday night when they host a showdown with Nitro, weather permitting.
