Alexis Smith picks Illinois

By Adam RonisOctober 11, 2010

St. John the Baptist senior Alexis Smith has committed to Illinois. The 5-9 point guard was a key part of the Cougars sixth NSCHSAA championship in seven seasons last year. She averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 steals and was a first-team All-Long Island selection.

Smith also considered South Carolina, George Washington, and Middle Tennessee State.

She is very good going to the basket, often drawing fouls, and can hit shots from three-point range.

Smith has been a part of two NSCHSAA championships with the Cougars and was also a Newsday All-Long Island first-team selection last season.

“I didn’t plan on making a decision this early, but I fell in love with the school,” Smith said. “It is everything that I wanted. It was where I felt comfortable. I was in love after one visit.”

Another factor in the decision was the chance to compete for a spot as a point guard, a position Smith wants to play in college.

Smith gave credit to her trainer Jerry Powell, her AAU team Exodus, and the St. John the Baptist coaching staff.

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