A Sterling Smith update

Sterling Smith, out of Chico High and Redemption Christian Academy has just completed his sophomore season of athletic eligibility at Coppin State (Baltimore) with the 6-foot-4 shooting guard averaging 10.9 points and 4.2 rebounds a game, alongside 50 assists and a team-leading 39 steals. He shot 43%, 39% and 75% respectively.

"I did well, it's a huge improvement from last year," he offered.

After recently undergoing ankle spur surgery, Smith as well as his fellow team members are awaiting the naming of a new coach. Fang Mitchell, an institution at Coppin State, was let go in late March after 28 years of heading the basketball program..

"We should know who the new coach is in the first week of May," Smith said.

He is also performing in the classroom as he ranks as a junior academically and is poised to graduate after next year. How did he propel himself so far ahead?

"I took nine summer school credits my very first summer and nine after my freshman year" and he is preparing to do the same during the approaching three month break.

This has allowed him to be positioned to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology come next May.

On the basketball court, five juniors return to the Coppin State squad with Smith and Company wanting to make a run for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference crown. Achieving that will provide entry into the Big Dance.