Playing defense isn’t glamorous, but it’s far and away Becca Smith’s favorite thing to do on the basketball court.
Although Smith has become a capable scorer — she averages 12.3 points per game for the Glacier Peak Grizzlies — the guard thrives on trying to sh
ut down talented opponents. She defends posts, forwards and guards; whatever her team needs.
“I like the challenge of defending the best player,” said the 5-foot-8 Smith. “If I don’t hold them to (a low point total) and we lose then I feel like it’s on me.”
The versatile defender is a third-year team captain and third-year starter for the Class 3A Grizzlies. She has a 3.7 cumulative grade-point average, loves studying math and aspires to be an elementary school teacher.
Coach’s corner
Glacier Peak has many strong leaders but the encouraging, dedicated Smith stands out and is the Grizzlies only captain this season. “The kids respond to her well,” Glacier Peak coach Brian Hill said. “She wants what’s best for the team, almost more so than anybody, and is always trying to get the team to work hard. She’s very unselfish.”
From frontcourt to backcourt
Smith, who started playing year-round basketball when she was a fourth-grader, wasn’t always a guard. She was a post for several years. “Actually, I used to be the tallest kid in my class, but I haven’t grown since eighth grade,” Smith said.
Lead the way
The past two seasons Smith was a Grizzlies team co-captain with Marjorie Heard, now a freshman forward at the University of Washington. Heard helped Smith become a confident leader, Smith said. “I just try to keep everyone really positive,” Smith said, “because sometimes people kind of hang their head down and we can’t do that.”
“I try not to make it where everyone feels like I’m being bossy,” added Smith. “I try to make it feel like everybody feels like a captain. We all just help each other. We’re all a family.”
Sisterly love
Sarah Smith, Becca Smith’s sister, is a freshman point guard who plays on Glacier Peak’s junior varsity team. Sometimes the competitive siblings go head-to-head in practice. “It’s fun,” said Becca Smith, who called Sarah her best friend. “It’s not bad competition; it’s friendly competition. When we get home we tease each other about it all the time.”
Mastering math
Since her sophomore year, Becca Smith has compiled a 3.9 GPA. One of her most challenging classes right now is advanced anatomy and physiology, but her favorite subject is math. “It’s just easy to me. I don’t know why,” she said.
Born to teach
Smith’s mom, aunt and uncle are teachers, and her grandpa was a teacher too. Sticking with family tradition, Smith aspires to teach elementary school. She has extensive experience working with children: Last school year Smith mentored a fourth-grade student in the Grizzly Cubs program. Currently, she assists students at Little Cedars Elementary School (adjacent to Glacier Peak High) a few days per week.
Jane Austen fan
Smith’s favorite movie is “Pride & Prejudice” (2005), starring Keira Knightley. After reading Jane Austen’s famous book during her freshman year, Smith couldn’t wait to see the film, which stayed true to the author’s story, Smith said.
Destination: Mexico
For her senior class trip, Smith plans to travel to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She has never been to Mexico and can’t wait to enjoy some warm weather.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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