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DaQuan Smith

Holly High’s Smith named to Dandy Dozen

For the first time in 12 years, a Holly Springs High School basketball player has been recognized as one of the state’s 12 best players.

Guard DaQuan Smith was named to the Clarion Ledger newspaper’s prestigious Dandy Dozen.

He is the first Dandy Dozen Hawk since Clevin Hannah and Brandon Ayers, who were both selected for the list prior to the 2005-2006 season.

As a junior, Smith averaged 26.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

“DaQuan has put himself in this position by being one of the top scorers in our state,” said his head coach, Sylvester Kilgore.

He has led the Hawks to the Class 3A State Tourna­ment for three consecutive seasons, starting as a ninth grader. He has also received numerous post-season honors at the district level.

Smith has already scored more than 1,800 points in his high school career and “should be the all-time points leader when he is done,” Kilgore said.

Smith will graduate with honors, and he was elected by his peers as class president.

“His commitment and dedication on and off the court have put him in an exciting position, and he will inspire our current, past and future Hawks,” Kilgore said.

Smith has committed to play college basketball for Murray State in Murray, Ky.

The Clarion Ledger’s write-up about Smith said – “DaQuan is an explosive guard. His speed and agility allow him to score the ball at an extremely fast rate. He has a knowledge of the game that makes his entire team better. He’s a floor general and gets everyone involved.”

Others on this season’s Dandy Dozen are D.J. Jeffries of Olive Branch, Robert Woodard of Columbus, D.J. Stewart of Riverside, Javian Fleming of Canton, Michael Barber of Jackson Academy, Austin Crowley of West Point, Garrison Wade of St. Andrews, Tyron Brewer of Meridian, Kamarian Williams of Cleveland Central, Gabe Watson of St. Joe-Madison, and Ladarius Marshall of Forest Hill.

Holly Springs South Reporter

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Holly Springs, MS 38635
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