STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – One of the defining characteristics of the Penn State Lady Lion's basketball team is its youth and potential for the future. One position where this might be most prevalent is in the paint at the forward spot.
With three underclassmen including freshmen Lauren Ebo and Bexley Wallace on the court, it's easy to see how the spot could be dominant down the line. But, while the freshmen are making a name for themselves, its sophomore Alisia Smith that is leading the way.
The Lansing, Michigan native is averaging 10.1 points, a team-leading 7.4 rebounds and is also averaging over a block a game for the Lady Lions. Smith's growth has been noticeable in 2018-19 as she averaged just 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in her freshman season last year.
Head coach Coquese Washington is aware and appreciative of the improvements in Smith's game.
"She's gotten a lot stronger," she said. "I think getting stronger has helped her have a high level of confidence."
Smith has used that newfound confidence to improve on her weaknesses.
"I know last year I wasn't that good at rebounding," Smith said. "I know getting in there and getting those rebounds is [important] for me."
Smith's work on the glass has been prevalent throughout the season as she has recorded five double-doubles and is fresh off of a nine-rebound performance against one of the best rebounding teams in the country in Maryland.
However, Smith is more than just a rebounder. Washington noted the importance of Smith's role away from the rim.
"[Alisia] has really grown accustomed to being the pace setter and setting the pace for our up-tempo play," Washington said. "She knows there's nights where she might give up size and she might give up strength, but she very rarely will give up speed," she continued. "She has really bought into using her speed as a weapon and she's done it very well."
Although just a sophomore, the 6'3" forward is the most experienced player Washington has in the frontcourt. Smith has thus developed the role as mentor to her freshmen counterparts Ebo and Wallace. While the two freshmen aren't at the top of a scoring or rebounding column for Penn State, they have each played in double-digit games for the Lions to provide valuable depth, with multiple starts between them.
"They definitely look for [Smith] to set the tone and they respond to her very mature approach to the game." Washington said.
While doubling your stats from a season to season basis may be unmaintainable, Smith's growth and effectiveness show no sign of slowing down.
"I like her development; her growth and I think she's only going to get better for us." Washington said.
Look for Smith's strong season to continue as the Lady Lions will face-off with Big Ten opponent Wisconsin on Thursday night on the road before they return to the Bryce Jordan Center on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. against Rutgers.
