Derrick Webb, Managing Editor
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
CHILLICOTHE — If the game is on the line and Huntington needs a score, at this point in her career, Tori Smith is expecting the basketball.
And, based on the way she’s progressed as a player and, more importantly, as a scorer, her expectations are valid.
The senior point guard has always been a force to be reckoned with. But this season, she’s revealed another side of her game. It’s the side that looks to score the basketball first.
It’s part of the reason why she’s been selected as SOSA’s Pickaway-Ross Athlete of the Month.
“I feel like I have definitely improved on wanting to score more,” Smith said. “I have always been a pass-first type of player and, this year, I’ve really come out of my shell and just listened to my coaches about needing to score. As a teammate, I’ve improved on boosting confidence and leading [her teammates] to success.”
Tori’s play has helped her Huntsmen win seven games this winter in what could be considered a rebuilding year.
They’ve taken their lumps but they’ve also learned their lessons. And, while Tori won’t be around next year to see those lessons put to use, she’ll at least be able to say she aided the program in taking that next step.
“My year for basketball, so far, has been up and down,” Smith said. “My team seems to be having trouble connecting well and it puts all of us in a difficult situation. I’ve enjoyed almost everything so far. Basketball has always been my life and any time I can get in the gym, or just be with my teammates, it’s always the best.”
When she’s not on the court, she’s in the classroom at Pickaway-Ross, shaping her future.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
She’s studying Sports Medicine and, in the same breath, getting a head start on her collegiate career.
“I decided to attend Pickaway-Ross because I wanted a different learning experience and a better opportunity for myself,” Smith said. “The biggest benefit is having a different mindset when I’m learning there. It’s very different from Huntington.”
For those deciding between attending Pickaway-Ross or a traditional school setting, Tori says if you’re already thinking about making the move to a vocational school, you’ve already made your decision.
“My advice would be to choose to go,” Smith said. “I’ve had such a good experience with the teacher and meeting new people. I’ve learned so much and it has set me up to be in a good position at college.”
Years from now, Tori plans to be a leader in the Sports Medicine industry. But right now, she’s focused on providing leadership to her teammates over the next month or so.
With the keys to the offense in her hands, Huntington will be a dangerous matchup for any team in postseason play.
“My favorite part about being the point guard is seeing how much my teammates and coaches trust me with the ball,” Smith said. “Honestly, I never really chose the position. I feel like it chose me.”
The Lady Huntsmen finish their regular season with matchups against Zane Trace, Adena and Westfall. After those three contests, they’ll shift focus to what they hope to be a lengthy postseason.
No matter the opponent, there’s one thing for sure and it’s that Tori Smith will do everything in her power to keep her team alive.
“My expectations for the rest of the season are to keep pushing and show everyone that our record doesn’t define us,” Smith said. “Hopefully, we make a good tournament run one last time.”
SPONSORED BY PICKAWAY-ROSS CTC
