In many ways, Alyssa Joyner and Olivia Lawson are the last ones standing. The last ones on this Lady Zizzers team who were there when West Plains won just their second state title in school history two years ago. “I love the dynamic duo of us being the senior duo,” said Oliva, a senior on the team. “I love that energy that we bring.”
Alyssa is the team’s leading scorer in the post and is committed to play at College of the Ozarks next year. “She’s long, athletic, and has more speed than you might think,” said Scott Womack, the team’s head coach.
Olivia is the team’s leading scoring at the guard position. “She brings that energy,” Womack said. “She’s an unbelievable athlete out there. She makes plays that make you go, ‘Wow.'”
Olivia and Alyssa are closing in on the rare feat of 100 varsity victories at West Plains. “I think that’s crazy,” said Alyssa, a senior on the team. “That’s a big goal for me and Olivia. We didn’t even know. He [Coach Womack] told us one day and we were like, ‘Wow.’ And it really sparked us to keep fighting and to keep winning.”
The thing that fuels this duo before each game may surprise you. “We usually drink Red Bulls,” Olivia said. “It gets us fired up. I like the watermelon one or the strawberry apricot.”
“Ooh, I like the blue coconut,” Alyssa added. “It’s in the white can I think.”
They’re off to another great start this season. Even if the pregame breakfast of these champions isn’t perfect. “I probably need to stop drinking them,” Alyssa said. “They’re probably going to make me pass out.”
Coach Womack is fine with it though, because these girls have already proven they defy conventional wisdom. “No one was very confident in us last year,” Alyssa said. “And finally me and Olivia and our group of seniors, we showed them they were wrong and we got back to State and took third.”
And as they try to score another Final Four appearance, they’re hoping there’s more dynamic duos in the Lady Zizzers’ future. “I just hope someone will carry on our legacy,” Alyssa said. “I’m glad we put a mark on West Plains. I hope other people will continue it.”
