Large and in Charge

To call Andrew Smith "the big man on campus" at Covenant Christian would be an understatement. At a school known more for academics than athletics, the 6-foot-10, 230-pounder stands out among his peers, whether he's walking to class or dunking the basketball. Even with all eyes on him, however, the senior rarely disappoints. His prowess as one of the area's top basketball players earned him a college scholarship to Butler, while his commitment to schoolwork has resulted in a 3.0 GPA. On the court, Smith has developed at a remarkable rate since entering high school as a 6-5, 170-pound freshman. That season, Warriors coach Scott Flatt said his "scrawny" newcomer averaged around seven points and nine rebounds as the team struggled to a 3-17 record. Smith's physical growth continued during the next two years, and his basketball skills followed. Last year as a junior, he averaged nearly 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks per game, helping the Warriors to a 15-7 finish and a spot in the Class 2A Sectional 46 championship. Smith doesn't seem content to simply breeze through his final high school season. In the team's first two games, both wins, he averaged 24.5 points, 19.5 rebounds and two blocks. Smith spoke with VYPE reporter Chris Nelsen about a number of topics, including his development as a basketball player, his desire to win a sectional title and his decision to attend Butler. Nelsen: How were you able to add so much weight during the past few years after coming into high school at 170 pounds? Smith: After my freshman season, the coaches told me to start eating more. They said eat, eat, eat ... and then eat some more. Nelsen: You were able to gain 60 pounds by just eating? Smith: Actually, it was really hard to get bigger that way. With all the running and practicing throughout the year, I would just burn that weight right off. The biggest thing that helped me was getting in the weight room and building muscle. I have a fitness class at school, so I've been lifting five days a week for the past few years. Nelsen: How much have you improved as a basketball player since freshman year? Smith: I would say it's been a steady improvement each season. There wasn't one year where I was terrible and then came out of nowhere. My biggest improvement probably came during the summer between my sophomore and junior years. Nelsen: Where do you think your biggest improvements have come? Smith: I've been able to develop my left hand and improve my post moves. Nelsen: How disappointing was it to lose in the sectional championship to Tri-West Hendricks last season, especially considering Covenant Christian has never won a sectional since competing in the IHSAA state tournament in 2001-02? Smith: It was depressing, but I think we learned a valuable lesson. In the state tournament, you have to take every game seriously. Nelsen: What would a sectional title mean to you? Smith: I don't want to leave high school without winning one. This year is our best chance to do it, and if we don't, it could be a while before it happens. One of our team goals is to win sectional and dream big. After that point, the sky is the limit. Nelsen: You had a number of colleges looking at you, including Penn State and Liberty University in Virginia. Why did you ultimately sign with Butler? Smith: Butler was pretty much where I always wanted to go. Once I was offered a scholarship (in July), I was pretty much going to go there. Nelsen: What did you like about Butler? Smith: I really liked (coach) Brad Stevens, and I knew they had a really good recruiting class coming in. Plus, it was close enough to home where I can hang out with my family but still be on my own. Nelsen: What did you think of Covenant Christian holding a signing party for you at school Nov. 12 with the entire student body watching? Smith: (laughing) Well, after they showed a highlight video, the signing itself only took about 30 seconds. Once I was done, everybody started cheering. I guess it was cool, but I didn't really know how to respond. -