Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Veteran Patriots take on Petersburg as a unit
Tymon "Bud" Smith says Patrick Henry seniors play "together, helping each other."
varsity.roanoke.com
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Don't expect Patrick Henry's Tymon "Bud" Smith to be the least bit intimidated when the Patriots take the floor against undefeated Petersburg in a Group AAA semifinal tonight in Richmond's Siegel Center.
"There's no pressure. It's just another game," Smith said. "We don't look ahead and we don't look back."
Petersburg might be 28-0, but PH is no slouch at 21-4 and the five senior starters play together as one unit, said Smith.
"I've never been on a team that plays like we play," said the senior guard. "I've been on teams with more talent, but the way we play -- together, helping each other."
That cohesiveness has been key to the Patriots' success, said coach Jack Esworthy, saying that Smith has proven his leadership on the court.
Part of that leadership was on display when the Patriots played host to Christ School, ranked No. 17 in the nation by USA Today. Smith relished the challenge and scored a career-high 25 points.
Earlier in February Smith sank the game winning shot to defeat arch-rival William Fleming at the buzzer.
Smith also loves the assist.
"I definitely like making the extra pass, getting teammates involved," Smith said. "Once you make that pass, you start getting your shot."
Esworthy said Smith's ability to find the open man inside causes defenses to step off him, but that just helps his shooting. "He's a great passer and a great shooter," Esworthy said.
Assistant coach Brian Epperly has worked with Smith closely this season and said his strong defense might go unnoticed.
A starter as a freshman in 2006-07, Smith moved to North Carolina with his mother before his sophomore year. The family moved back to Roanoke during his junior year, but eligibility issues kept him off the court.
Esworthy said once those were cleared up, he fit right in. Athletic, hard-working and unselfish describe not only Smith, but most of the team, Esworthy said.
"We don't have a superstar, but we've got eight or nine very solid players," Esworthy said. "Every one can shoot, can drive and can defend.
"These guys have known each other since rec ball."
Smith said his goals are the team's goals.
"We've had three things written on the board: win the district, win the region, win the state. We've done the first two. It's time to get the last one."
