There is no hiding the fact that the 2022-23 girls basketball season for Greenbrier East was a disappointment by its lofty standards.
For the first time in quite a while, the Spartans were knocked out in the sectional opener with a loss to Princeton.
Greenbrier East head coach, and current West Virginia Governor, Jim Justice clearly does not want to see a repeat.
“I felt like we could have done a little better last year than we did. I was disappointed in the loss in the sectional to Princeton,” Justice said. “This team is refreshing to be with right now. We have some kids that are stepping in and working really hard. I think we will be exciting to watch and we don’t want to miss a beat.”
Although a good portion of the players saw plenty of varsity action last year, the Spartans will still be a young team this year.
“We are still super young. We have two kids that are seniors, but we are loaded with sophomores and freshman,” Justice said. “For the most part we will be going with a lot of sophomores and freshman.”
The biggest loss for the Spartans due to graduation was sharpshooter Cadence Stewart who is among the all-time leading scorers at East.
While the veteran coach admits losing her is a giant loss, he does feel he has some players that will step up in her absence.
One of the main scoring threats this year will be the younger sister, Kennedy Stewart who is coming off an excellent freshman campaign.
“In my opinion she is on the way to being the real deal. She has a pretty shot and a really quick release,” Justice said. “She handles the ball really well. She is not a big, but that helps in a way. It is tough to guard a kid that is not all that tall, but can really handle the ball. She will play a big role for us.”
Fellow-sophomore Mackenna McClure has already shown an ability to play well above her age and she too will be a key player for the Spartans.
“Makenna can get us a double-double every single game because she can get enough put-backs. She struggled some with her outside shot, but she has worked really hard on it,” Justice said. “She will get herself to the foul line and she will rebound the ball. She has a nice mid-range shot, plus she is scrappy and picks up the loose balls.”
On paper, this appears to be a solid team for Greenbrier East this season. A player that could really put hem over the top is sophomore center Hannah Fuller who stand 6-foot-1.
“Hannah Fuller has the potential that is a mile long. We just have to turn that into a reality,” Justice said. “The best thing that she does that a big person often does not do is pass the ball. She can really shoot foul shots terrific. She hasn’t caught her stride yet, but once she does she will be really something.”
Junior Liz Wooding and freshman Ava Workman are two other names to keep an eye on this season for the Spartans.
“All these kids are good, but none are better than Liz. If she is on the bench, she is cheering for everyone like crazy. She brings enthusiasm and steadiness to the game. She will help us,” Justice said. “Ava shoots the ball well. She has the things that you cannot teach in height and speed. She can really go to the glass and is going to be a giant asset.”
A trio of new faces are also expected to make big contributions for East this year in Jada Waller, Kala Waller and Regan Rink.
“We will be much faster this year with this line-up and we will be able to play much better defense,” Justice said. “We are deeper and they can all really play. This team will be fun to watch and we will get after people.”
