RUSTON (Nov. 8) - A happy group of coaches congratulated one another Wednesday morning at 10:02 a.m. as the fax machine in the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters basketball office produced the signed National Letter of Intent from Erica Smith.
The 5-foot-10-inch guard from Palestine-Wheatley High School in Arkansas officially inked with the Lady Techsters after verbally committing Oct. 16 following a visit to the Tech campus.
"Erica is a big signee for us because we desperately need help on the perimeter," said Tech Head Coach Leon Barmore. "She is a good athlete who can run the floor and shoot. She is a great recruit for us because of the position she plays. I feel really good about this young lady. Erica is the top player in the state of Arkansas."
Smith earned Class AA All-State honors her sophomore and junior seasons, while also being named the Most Valuable Player in the Northeast region twice and a three-time all-conference selection. She averaged 28 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists last season while leading Palestine-Wheatley to a 30-4 record and a berth in the AA state finals.
Smith, who chose Tech over Arkansas and Southwest Missouri State, said she knew immediately after her visit to Tech that she wanted to be a Lady Techster.
"When I was there (that Saturday) to watch them practice, it was just awesome," Smith said. "I really liked it, and I knew then that this was the place for me. I am so relieved to get this behind me so I can focus on my senior year, in basketball and the classroom."
Barmore, who lost his top three guards from last year's 31-3 Elite Eight squad, said he felt Smith would be an immediate impact player for Tech in 2001-02.
"She is great at creating off the dribble," Barmore said. "She is simply a scorer, which is what we need on the perimeter. She is so tough minded; a warrior's mentality. She fits (Catrina) Frierson's mold as far as toughness."
Palestine-Wheatley Coach Beverly Bass said she felt that Smith would have no problem with the transition to the college level.
"By far, she's the best athlete I have ever coached and I've been in the profession for 25 years," Bass said. "I've had some good ones, but Erica can do anything. She's a tremendous leader and very unselfish. On the floor, she makes a lot of things happen."
Barmore, who has compiled a career mark of 520-77 during his 19-year stint as the Tech head coach, said he feels Smith will fit right in, not only with her teammates but also in Ruston.
"What we have is a young lady who comes from a wonderful family," Barmore said. "She's also had a great coach in high school. Erica is polite and well mannered. She is a perfect fit for our program and community."
Smith is also a hot commodity in the classroom, where she has recorded a 3.8 grade point average and scored an 18 on the ACT.
Barmore said Smith would be Tech's only signee.
Louisiana Tech is one of only two schools to participate in all 19 NCAA Tournaments, while earning 13 Final Four appearances and three National Championships.
