Smith Selected For Big South All-Tournament Team
Women's Basketball
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FARMVILLE, Va. – After leading Longwood with 30 points and 19 rebounds across two postseason games,
Akila Smith was named to the All-Big South Tournament team, the conference announced Sunday afternoon.
The versatile forward became the first Lancer to be named to the All-Tournament team since
Chelsea Coward in 2013. The latest honor for Smith adds to her 2021 accolades that include Big South Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All-Big South First team.
Longwood hosted the quarterfinals of the Hercules Tires Big South Championship after receiving a first round bye, Smith posted 16 point, 12 rebound double-double as Longwood beat UNC Asheville 83-69. The Orlando, Fla. native shot an efficient 8-of-17 from the field, adding five assists, three blocks and two steals to lead Longwood to their first win Big South Tournament victory since 2013.
On the road against Campbell in the Big South Semifinals, Smith led Longwood with 14 points, knocking down 7-of-13 shots against a stifling Camel defense. The rim protector also swatted six shots and swiped two steals, as the reigning Big South Defensive Player of the Year totaled nine blocks and four steals in just two games.
Sunday's honor is the final installment in a historic Big South campaign for the Lancers, who set program records for Big South wins (12), Big South winning percentage (.667), and highest Big South finish (No. 3). Smith was an integral part in Longwood's unprecedented success, ranking third nationally in blocks (88) and blocks per game (3.5). Plus she was fourth in the Big South in scoring (15.7), first in rebounding (10.2) and third in steals (2.0).
#GoWood
