Article 224: Smith looks to finish strong

July 5, 2011

Center High has been a mainstay in the playoffs the past few seasons. During this past season, the Cougars finished 25-8 including a playoff run that ended in a loss to San Marin 61-55. The team was led by senior forward Chad Haysbert who will be attending Houston Baptist in the fall.

In the upcoming season, C-High will need 2012 guard Christopher Smith to fill the void in terms of leadership and production. Smith was brought onto the varsity team as a freshman and has been a starter since his sophomore year. In 2010-2011, he produced 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.

At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, Smith is a lanky and long guard who plays like former University of Illinois star Deron Williams because he can distribute the basketball to teammates well and his ability to score on drives to the basket along with his perimeter shooting. Smith considers his best skill to be his scoring ability as he can score off drives to the basket, pull-up jumpers, and knock down three-pointers. During the offseason, he is working on strength and quickness drills to help him with individual defense, scoring, passing, and rebounding.

In addition to these drills, Smith is playing for his E-Time Hoops Elite team. E-Time Coach Ernest Taubado has this assessment of Smith. "Christopher's greatest attribute as a high level basketball player is his ability to score. He has amazing focus and concentration which allows him to shoot the basketball and finish layups at odd angles. On the court, Christopher is a steady player with a natural feel for the game of basketball. He never appears rushed or off balance. He has a deceptive first step with sneaky explosion to the basket."

Smith has been in pressure situations. As a sophomore, Smith started his first playoff game in place of the team's All-Metro center, Connor Haysbert, who sprained his ankle the day before in practice. The playoff experience helped him mature and lead his team to the NorCal semifinal game.

In addition, colleges have taken notice of Smith. Air Force, Chico State, CSU Sacramento, and Denver are in contact with him. Smith has a preference to be on the west coast but will also factor in strong academics with opportunities for internships and hands-on training programs as he would like to major in Communication Studies.

Taubado continues about Smith's college prospects, "Christopher has had the uncanny ability to improve immensely year to year. Most student-athletes have a moderate improvement rate annually. If Christopher continues to excel in his development, he has the potential to be a mid-major Division I basketball player."

Smith's individual goal is to be named All-Metro as he was All-Metro Honorable Mention this past year. His team goal is to return to Arco Arena and win the Section title and then continue on and play for a state title. Watch for Smith to finish strong on the break, to finish strong in his senior season, and to finish strong during his recruiting process for Center High in Antelope, Calif.