Smith Garners OCCAC Player of the Week Honors
Kirtland, OH---Sophomore forward Richard Smith (Cleveland, Ohio / Lutheran East) helped the Lakeland men’s basketball team open Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) play with a win over nationally-ranked Cincinnati State on Saturday (Jan. 12) afternoon. For his efforts, Smith was named conference player of the week for the week ending Jan. 13.
By Patrick Gordon/Lakeland Sports Information
Kirtland, OH---Sophomore forward Richard Smith (Cleveland, Ohio / Lutheran East) helped the Lakeland men's basketball team open Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) play with a win over nationally-ranked Cincinnati State on Saturday (Jan. 12) afternoon. For his efforts, Smith was named conference player of the week for the week ending Jan. 13.
Smith tied a career-high with four assists while scoring 13 points and pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds in an 80-79 victory over the No. 13 Surge. The sophomore forward added five blocks and a steal in the win and did not commit a turnover or a foul in 29 minutes of action. He is currently ranked 3rd in the nation in blocks, averaging 4.5 per game.
This is the first player of the week selection for Smith and marks the second straight year the OCCAC's first weekly honor has gone to Lakeland. Future first team All-American Brendan Cooper similarly earned conference recognition after last year's victory over Cincinnati State.