Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Marayah Stuart

Booker girls basketball has been on a tear this season, and junior guard Marayah Stuart has had a big hand in that success.

Stuart’s season averages of nine points and 4.5 rebounds per game don’t jump off the page, but she prides herself on her defense, and that showed itself in a big way this past week. 

The Tornadoes shut down their opponents — Tampa Chamberlain and Arcadia DeSoto County — to win the 4A-Region 3 and advance to the state semifinals in Lakeland against Melbourne Palm Bay on March 4. 

Stuart scored 10 points with three rebounds, three assists and six steals as Booker beat Chamberlain 61-20 on Feb. 18 and followed that up with 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and seven steals in a 74-37 win over DeSoto County.

When and why did you start playing basketball?

In my third-grade summer, going into fourth grade. My sister played basketball for a travel team. I was just going to practice for fun, and it was something I enjoyed doing, so I just kept playing. It was a sixth-grade team, and I ended up starting, so I was like, ‘This is something I could actually do.’

What has been your most memorable moment this season?

Probably the last game, winning the regional championship. This is the first time in my high school career that I’m going to the final four, so that was a pretty good moment for me. 

What’s your favorite all-time basketball memory?

Probably my first year of AAU. I played with East Coast United and I played with some of these teammates out here. Bri Behn, Janiel Williams and Yvette Brown. I played with them over the summer and it was a fun time, getting to spend time with your friends over the summer while playing a sport you love.

What’s gone right for Booker girls basketball this season?

The ability to push through and fight through anything that comes our way. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs and we’ve pushed through it and now we’re in the final four. We have practice every day, two to three hours a day. Sometimes two practices a day. We’ve had the mental ability to push through those practices.

What’s your favorite meal?

I love eating pasta. My favorite is chicken alfredo from Olive Garden.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

My favorite TV show is Money Heist. It’s a show I can keep watching. I never get tired of that show.

What are your go-to warm-up songs?

Typically I listen to gospel music before games because it calms me down. I can’t listen to quote-unquote hype music because my adrenaline rushes. I like ‘Intentional’ and ‘That’s Who I Praise.’ Those are my go-to before a game.

What’s been your most humbling moment in basketball?

Probably my freshman year. I went to Bayshore High School. I went in thinking I was going to start and I didn’t start for the whole first half of the season. It actually made me work for my spot instead of it being handed to me. Also, coming here to Booker, you’re never guaranteed a spot no matter how good you are. (Coach Ty Bryant) makes you work for what you get.

Who’s your favorite basketball player and why?

I would have to say Sydney Colson because she gets her job done on the court and off the court her personality is great. She’s a funny person and caring. 

What do you pride yourself in most when it comes to basketball?

I know on the defensive end, I’m probably one of the best in the 941 area. I don’t think there’s too many people that can say, ‘They put a highlight on me.’

Finish this sentence. Marayah Stuart is…

Hard-working.