Smith Puts The Blinders Up
12/6/2016 5:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
by Alan Hieber
Wright State forward Lexi Smith does not let anything faze her on the court. This focus is a cornerstone of her game and it has paid dividends this season for the 4-2 Raiders.
Athleticism runs in Smith's family with both of her parents having played basketball at a high school and collegiate level. She also has a brother who made it to the semi-professional ranks of basketball and another who currently plays football.
“It gives me a better support system because they know what I go through everyday. They also can understand the sport I play since most of them played it as well,” Smith said. “They have the same passion. I'm pretty blessed to have that type of advantage.”
Smith elected to attend WSU because of the coaching staffs' feeling that she would be a good fit in addition to the atmosphere around the team that was intense on the court and friendly off it.
Towards the conclusion of her freshman campaign Smith was tasked with coming off the bench during a 99-87 Horizon League tournament semifinal victory against Cleveland State. She went on to record a double-double that night.
“The other team didn't expect me to come off the bench and do that. I told myself that I had to perform,” Smith said.
As a 5-11 forward Smith doesn't dwell on the fact that some might see her as an undersized player.
“I learn how to deal with it. If I've got a 6-5 player trying to block me out I have to find a way to get in front and get the rebound,” Smith said. “I've adapted to playing as an undersized post player.”
It hasn't taken very long for Smith to adapt to getting the most significant playing time of her career this season as the second leading scorer (14.3) and rebounder (7.3) for the Raiders on a per game basis.
Smith says her mindset on the court is to keep a sharp focus, which she had a unique description for.
“I worry about what I need to do to help my team. If I can score, rebound, pass the ball or set screens I focus on doing that,” Smith said. “If I mess up I tell myself not to worry about that. I put up blinders so all the distractions are shut out.”
Katrina Merriweather is in the midst of her first season as head coach for WSU, and Smith says she is a source of encouragement and motivation, which includes positive feedback during practices.
“She (Merriweather) was the one who saw me play in high school and understood the type of player I was,” Smith said. “She put more faith into me and helped me realize what potential I have”
Off the court Smith is a rehabilitation studies major, which she feels is a way she can stay connected with basketball in her profession.
“I thought about in rehab dealing with other basketball players,” Smith said. “I felt like that was an opportunity I could take while still enjoying the sport that I love.”
Smith credits her former Raider teammates with molding her into the player she is today. Now as a junior starter she hopes to be the one that dispenses advice over to her current teammates.
“Over a period of time I've gained a lot of experience through failure and success,” Smith said. “I would like to try to pass that knowledge onto other players who transferred or are coming in as freshmen.”
The Raiders have been tasked with replacing four starters from last season's squad, which makes staying in top physical and mental shape as well as stepping up her game even more vital in Smith's eyes.
“Whether that means I have to score, rebound or cheer my teammates on I have to be prepared to do anything,” Smith said. “Even in the past when we had more numbers I still thought that way, but now I think it's more crucial.”
The Raiders host Kent State Wednesday night at 7 pm.
