Russellville's Terence Smith lifts North to 75-72 victory at All-Star Week
By Staff
Scot Beard
HUNTSVILLE – Terence Smith's final stat line might not have been impressive, but the dunk he unleashed during the fourth quarter of the Alabama All-Star Sports Week basketball game rocked the room.
It brought fans to their feet, opponents to their knees and sparked a run that allowed the North team to pull away for a 75-72 victory.
"I saw the lane open and I took off," Smith said.
Smith finished the game with six points, seven rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes of playing time, but Smith appreciated the opportunity to play against some of the top talent in the state.
Smith struggled in the first half and did not score. His first points of the game came on the dunk.
"I settled down (in the second half)," Smith said. "The adrenaline went away."
He said he and his teammates worked hard all week to prepare for the game, something that is crucial when each member of the team is used to being the top player at his school.
The team chemistry paid off and the North withstood a late rally by the South to maintain the victory. The North now leads the all-time series 41-25.
Smith said he learned a valuable lesson that will help him and his Russellville teammates when they return to the court this fall.
"I learned anybody can play together and win if they play hard," Smith said.