Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Kylie Smither, Fulton senior basketball player

Name: Kylie Smither

School: Fulton

Sport: Basketball

Why she was selected: In a 53-46 win over Bureau Valley on Dec. 20, she had a game-high 22 points to help the Steamers secure a comeback win. Fulton trailed 35-15 at halftime before outscoring BV 38-11 after the break.

Fulton coach Mike Menchaca said the team did a good job getting Smither the ball inside in the win.

“We had emphasized to her before the game a ‘leave no doubt’ mentality on the block,” he said. “She’s either scoring or going to the line. She bought into that way of thinking, and really it was the difference for us.”

Menchaca said Smither’s strongest traits do not have to do with basketball.

“A lot of kids quit this game because it is hard. She’s been thrown in to a position most kids aren’t since she was a freshman. Having to go through the really hard times to get to the good, most if not all will quit. She’s the lone senior for that reason,” Menchaca said. “It isn’t about other sports, it’s about being mentally tough and not giving up. Those are the types of people I want on my side.”

Smither is averaging 8.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game so far this season.

Jones is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week in an online vote.

When did you first get into basketball and what or who helped you get into it?

Smither: I first got into basketball in second grade and I’ve been playing ever since. My dad is one of the main people that has always helped me, from just the basics in our driveway to where we are now.

What do you like about basketball? Has it taught you anything? Any specific strengths you feel you have? Anything specifically you have worked at improving this year?

Smither: For me, I’ve always liked basketball because of the second family it has given me. I’ve met my best friends through basketball and made amazing relationships with everyone on the team. Basketball has taught me so much on the court, but even more off the court. Not only has basketball taught me to be a good athlete, but it has taught me to be an even better person. Mostly, it has taught me how to be successful after I graduate, and to never quit. One thing that I have tried to improve this year would be to ‘leave no doubt’ around the rim. Going up strong and finishing strong are what I am working on the most.

You had 22 points in a comeback win over BV. What was working for the team that day that helped turn things around and for you individually?

Smither: In the win over BV, when we started to use the high and low post we started to see a lot of success, and all of our guards did an amazing job taking care of the ball, entering the ball to the posts and controlling the possession. For me personally, I knew that I was going to have to work harder than I did in the first half.

It’s still very early in the season but do you have any thoughts on the season so far? What have you guys learned so far or improved upon?

Smither: While it is still early in the season, I am just so proud of every girl on the team. All the girls truly give it their all every single game, and work so hard. One of the things that we have gotten better at is limiting the other team’s second chances.

Any goals for you this season individually?

Smither: One of the goals that I had this season was to again, leave no doubt. I wanted to go up and finish strong every time.

Does the team have any goals this season? What does it hope to accomplish?

Smither: I think that one of the goals that we have for the season is to find out who we are as a team. There are only three upperclassman, which means our team is very young still, so we are still learning how to play with each other. One thing we hope to accomplish is to get as deep as we can into the post season.

Do you have a favorite athlete or sports team?

Smither: My favorite team is the New York Yankees.

Any other hobbies, activities or sports you are involved in?
Smither: I love to bake, play pickleball and hang out with friends and family. I am [also] involved in three other sports alongside basketball, which are softball, volleyball and track!

Do you have a favorite book or quote?

Smither: My favorite quote is, “No rain, no flowers.”

Favorite restaurant?

Smither: The Cheesecake Factory or Chick-fil-a.

Favorite TV Show or movie?

Smither: My favorite TV show is “Grey’s Anatomy,” and my favorite movies are either “The Hunger Games,” or “10 Things I Hate About You.”

Favorite music genre?

Smither: Pop

Any favorite school subjects or teachers?

Smither: My favorite class and teacher is my college chemistry class that is taught by Stacy Gates.