Spring Break
Sophomore trio of netters aim high
Jonathan Brown
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Sports
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While the expectations were low, State's freshman trio of Ben Hansbrough, Barry Stewart and Jarvis Varnado, had no problem exceeding them.
Hansbrough displayed the ability to lead the team and make plays happen, while Stewart and Varnado etched their names into the State record books.
However, this season all three have inserted themselves into head coach Rick Stansbury's starting lineup and are being asked to elevate their game for a team with lofty expectations of returning to the big dance in March.
"The expectations are exciting," Stewart said. "The sophomore class is going to have to step up for the team this season, and I know we're up for the challenge."
Stewart was able to make a name for himself last season with his pinpoint accuracy from outside the three-point arc.
In his first season, Stewart set the State freshman record for three-pointers made with 68 and also holds the freshman record for three-point shots attempted with 174.
Stewart admits it was not until last season he had ever attempted so many shots for behind the arc. Instead he was more willing to create plays off the dribble, which is something he's looking forward to returning to this season.
"Over the summer, I've worked on trying to get to the basket more," Stewart said. "I know last year a lot of teams saw me as a guy who just took a lot of threes, but this year with our offense, I'll be able to do more things off the dribble."
Stewart said the change will benefit him more as he takes on the role of backing up junior point guard Jamont Gordon, who after this season may leave Starkville for the NBA.
While Gordon is the current leader on the court, it's a past Bulldog point guard Stansbury often refers to when mentioning Stewart.
"Barry Stewart reminds me so much of Timmy Bowers," Stansbury said in his media day press conference. "If you compare Barry Stewart to Timmy Bowers' freshman year, the difference is that Barry played his freshman year and Timmy did not. Now if Barry can improve year-to-year the way Timmy did, well that is to be determined."
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