WINDERMERE, Fla. — Junior Sean Stewart, listed as No. 13 in the country in the 2023 ESPN national recruiting rankings, is using his knowledge of the game and putting in the work to help Windermere High School’s basketball team get off to a strong start this season.

Like many athletes, Stewart’s love of the game started at a young age.

“(I’ve been) Playing YMCA basketball since I was like 4 years old. So it’s just me, growing up around basketball, having a basketball family,” Stewart said. 

Stewart’s father and grandfather played basketball professionally, so he knows what it takes to perform at a high level. 

“There’s also pressure that comes with it,” Stewart said. “You know, everyone saying that you need to make the NBA like your dad or saying how good my dad was or stuff like that. But, at the end of the day, it all just motivates me to become better.”

The power forward is leading the Wolverines this season in points (21.1 per game), rebounds (11.8) and blocked shots (4.2), but his coach said he’s now just scratching the surface of his potential.

“He’s such a hard worker. He’s really grown in the last year, and he’s going to continue to grow because of his work ethic and how much time he puts in,” Windermere coach Mark Griseck said. 

The 6-foot-8 standout is a team leader and someone to whom his classmates gravitate. 

“Everybody loves him,” Griseck said. “He’s a humble kid and just a really good person to be around.”

Stewart said he hopes his contributions help lead Windermere to a level the school has yet to achieve. 

“I’d say our hopes for the season are to win the state championship,” he said. “It would be the first one in school history for any sport, so it’d be good to bring that to the school.” 

After many discussions with his family, the five-star recruit committed to Duke last month.

“When I made the decision, it was very exciting because it was a dream school of mine since I was a little kid, since like 10 years old,” Stewart said. “So being able to commit to my dream school is just such a blessing, and I was really excited.” 

Until then, Stewart said he’ll keep trying to get better, and hopes he can inspire others through his work ethic.

“Whether it’s on the court, off the court, work hard in school and your grades, they’ll be good,” Stewart said. “Do your homework, all that stuff. No matter what you do, just work hard, and everything else will follow.”