by Shawn Nowlin
Since 2022, one of the best female high school basketball players in Virginia has been Amari Worsham. Standing 6’0, Worsham, a junior, is the unquestioned leader of the William Fleming Lady Colonels.
Of the hundreds of student-athletes who have come through the program over the years, only a small percentage ever eclipsed 1,000 career points.
It took Worsham just ten games into her third campaign to reach that milestone.
In a Blue Ridge District showdown against the Terriers of William Byrd on Jan. 9, the Colonels dominated the game from opening tip, finishing with a 79-20 victory.
Minutes before halftime, Worsham’s athletic talents were put on full display in a single sequence – scoring a contested fadeaway jumper over a defender that drew much applause from the crowd.
When Worsham scored her 1,000th point, Jamie Gafford was in the stands to experience it. “As the saying goes, ‘Records were meant to be broken.’ Because Amari is so highly touted, opponents have to bring their A-game against her or they risk getting flat-out embarrassed,” she said.
While Worsham usually is at the top of the scouting report, the supporting cast of Christhanti Henderson, Signae Houston and Zakyah King all thrive in their respective roles.
So much more than just a one-trick pony, Worsham reminds Nina Alford of former University of Connecticut star Swin Cash. “Amari has a real shot to play college basketball at the highest level. If she continues to put in the work, this time next year, I would not be shocked if she commits to an ACC or SEC powerhouse like Florida State or South Carolina,” Alford said.
Head Coach Richard Wilson has guided the Lady Colonels to more than 50 victories since the start of Worsham’s freshman campaign. Known for pushing his players to reach their full potential, Wilson has a roster good enough to win the state championship this year.
As of press time, Fleming has won eight of its first ten games: Patrick Henry (12/3, 48-30), Glass (12/6, 58-42), Albemarle (12/10, 69-20), The Covenant (12/11, 54-34), West Catholic (12/13, 42-17), Bishop O’ Connel (12/14, 47-40), Ramsay (12/18, 61-36), Milton (12/19, 47-41), Grayson (12/20, 62-41) and William Byrd (1/9, 79-20).
With another year to go, Worsham has an opportunity to cement herself as one of the best players to ever come out of Roanoke. On Jan. 17, she will be in action when the Colonels take on Franklin County High.
