Smith impresses her future UNC coach

CHAPEL HILL — Sylvia Hatchell had every reason to delight in Saturday’s 3A girls state championship game.

Not only did one of her hometown schools reach the title game, but one of her recruits put on a show.

The North Carolina women’s basketball coach and Gastonia native observed as point guard Shannon Smith earned MVP honors and led Forestview to a 62-55 win over South Central at the Smith Center, home of the Tar Heel men.

“I’m excited about our future,” Hatchell said after Smith scored 26 points to go with six assists. “She’s got lots of skill. If we get her stronger, she’ll move to another level.”

Smith also had three rebounds and two steals while playing all 32 minutes as the Jaguars’ primary ball handler.

“I love how she plays with emotion,” Hatchell said.

Smith admittedly didn’t play her best game. She had problems with South Central’s pressure at times on her way to nine turnovers. And she shot only 6-for-17 from the field, including 1-for-4 from 3-point range.

“I actually don’t think I played that good,” Smith said. “I had too many turnovers. My teammates helped me out, though. They’re always there for me, so that’s a good thing.

Hatchell, in her 24th season at UNC, also had a chance to watch South Central’s Danielle Butts, who has committed to the Lady Tar Heels as a junior. Butts finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Falcons.

A 1970 Hunter Huss graduate, Hatchell sat in the corner nearest the Forestview bench, surrounded by residents of her hometown.

“I’m proud to be a girl from Gastonia,” she said. “It was good to see all these folks up here today.”

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.