Smith headed to Northern State
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There is now a solid pipeline from Iowa Central's campus to that of Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.
Shariah Smith became the second Triton women's basketball player to join the NCAA Div. II program, joining teammate Avery Terwilliger. Smith, a graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High, committed to the program on Saturday.
"I just really liked their facilities and resources," Smith said. "Hands down, they have the best. I also liked the interaction and openness the players had with the coaches."
Smith started her college career at Neosho in Kansas, competing in the NJCAA Div. I ranks. She returned to Iowa to play for Iowa Central and head coach Kelly Kruger for her sophomore season, posting 8.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
At Neosho, Smith played in 30 games and made 20 starts, averaging 3.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest.
Kruger's daughter, Kelsie, is an assistant coach at Northern State having just completed her first season under Paula Krueger.
"I've been in touch with Coach Krueger since high school so we've had that connection," Smith said.
Smith earned ICCAC third team honors this past winter. She reached double figures in 11 games this year, including a high of 19 vs. Des Moines Area to close out the regular season.
As a Dodger, Smith scored 671 points in 71 games, leaving as the program leader in made 3-pointers with 99. She is tied for 11th on the school's career scoring list.
"I've learned that mental toughness is by far the most important factor when competing at the collegiate level," Smith said. "When you mix that with hard work, it's the perfect combination."
Northern State competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and went 10-19 this past year. They have reached the NCAA playoffs eight times, including a pair of national championships in 1992 and '94.
Terwilliger gave her commitment to Kruger's program earlier in the week.