By Ken Hansard
The Caney Valley Lady Trojans will likely send a young team to the hardcourt this season. Young – but talented. Count sophomore combo guard Presley Smith among those who should make a large contribution. As a freshman at Dewey High, Presley averaged 13.2 points per game, while also contributing 80 rebounds, 43 assists, 65 deflections, and 41 steals. Head Coach Deric Longan spoke about Smith in glowing terms, “Presley is a phenomenal athlete. She can score from all three levels and is a tenacious defender. Her ability to play both the point and shooting guard positions will be a welcome addition to our team this season.”
“A welcome addition” might be a bit of an understatement. Last season as a freshman at Dewey, Presley was voted All-Conference and Northeast Valley Offensive Player of the Year. Smith had this to say about those accolades, “I’m proud of that because it shows my hard work is paying off. Sometimes I miss out on some things other kids get to do in their free time, and the recognition helps make it worthwhile.”
Presley is definitely excited about a fresh start at Caney Valley, “I’m looking forward to building strong connections and friendships with my new teammates. My biggest challenge is probably going to be learning the dynamic of my new team and being able to read their expressions and mannerisms so that great plays can be made.”
In the end, Smith just wants to get back in front of a crowd, “I love the loud, intense environment you get from being in gyms. My adrenaline kicks in and I get to focus on nothing but what is happening on the court.”
Presley has a multitude of interests outside of basketball. She runs cross country, where she has a first and a fourth place finish in her two meets to date this season, and she also placed 12th at the State track meet as a freshman. She is a cheerleader and has served as Vice-President of her class and was additionally voted to represent her class on the Student Council.
Presley boasts a strong GPA of 3.8 and would eventually love to continue her basketball at the collegiate level. She currently has thoughts of someday becoming a teacher.
