Tiffany Grady-Hudgins|Daily Times Brooke Smith looks to make a pass while under pressure during a game in January.

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UNION — Brooke Smith, point guard for the Sims Middle School Tigers, was recently named an All-Peachtree Conference selection for the 2012-2013 basketball season. The eighth grader averaged 7.4 points per game with a season high of 15 points against Dawkins.

“This came as a big surprise to me, and I feel very honored to be given this award,” said Smith. “My goal in basketball is to be the best team player possible so I need to work on all areas of the game and improve to be a stronger player.”

While at Sims, Smith has elevated her game, showing tremendous improvements in several different areas.

“Her ball handling, defense and perimeter shooting has really gotten better,” said Sims Coach Kenny Harris. “She has especially improved on her ability to penetrate the top of the free throw line into the lane with her dribble.”

Smith’s ability to drive the lane and pressure the defense will be an asset to the Union County JV team when she makes the transition next year.

Her coach is confident that Smith will excel at the next level.

“The biggest problem with young point guards is getting them to trust their left hand,” said Harris. “Brooke has done a good job with that this year. She has worked really hard every day at practice to perfect those penetration moves that usually get her to the free throw line.”

During a double-overtime loss to Rainbow Lake, Smith scored 12 points and kept her team in the game by driving the lane and drawing fouls to get to the line where she went 8 for 12.

“That’s a game I’ll always remember,” said Smith. “The team really pulled together and everyone played their best. The fans were really cheering and the game was very intense, which created an exciting, electric atmosphere.”

Smith was often double-teamed this year and Harris was impressed with her calmness under pressure. He added that Smith has an element that coaches love to see in a player.

“Brooke is pretty feisty,” he said with a laugh. “She won’t back down from from the biggest opponent whether she’s going for a loose ball or driving into the lane. She’s got a lot of ‘fire in the gut.’”

While she’ll be missed at Sims, Harris is anxious to see what Smith will offer UCHS.

“She has a chance to be a very good high school player and even a good college player if she continues to work hard on her skills year-round. We’ll certainly miss her at Sims, but its time for her play at a higher level.”

Sports Editor, Tiffany Grady-Hudgins can be reached by e-mail at thudgins@civitasmedia.com or by cell at (864) 251-4330.