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Austin Smith
On January 2nd, ELCO senior Austin Smith rang in the new year by delivering a gritty, hard-nosed effort that helped power the Raiders to a memorable 46–41 victory over Pottsville—ELCO’s first win over the Tide in quite some time. Smith’s impact went well beyond the box score, as he made multiple hustle plays, diving on the floor for loose balls to create extra possessions, while also stepping up offensively down the stretch. He finished with eight points, including several clutch free throws late to help seal the win. His all-around performance earned him recognition as LebCo Athlete of the Week.
When asked about his performance, Smith pointed to the little things that often decide close games. “I had some clutch stops and made plays by getting on the floor for loose balls,” he said. “I also got some buckets down the stretch, including free throws at the end of the game to seal it.” His value to the Raiders is rooted just as much in his defense, effort, and toughness as it is in scoring.
Smith has also carved out a key role within ELCO’s offense, particularly against zone defenses. “I’ve been a key part of the scoring and being the top guy teams look to when they go zone,” he added. For the season, Smith is averaging nearly 10 points per game, complementing the one-two scoring punch of fellow seniors Kaden Tillison and Josiah Hayes. That balance and chemistry have helped ELCO establish an 8–4 record.
Smith’s personal goals reflect both individual ambition and team success. “My goal this season is to go to districts and states and make First Team All-Section,” he said.
The senior’s season, however, didn’t begin without adversity. Smith suffered a high ankle sprain late in football season and was only cleared days before basketball preseason began. “I was still in a lot of pain the first two or three weeks of the season,” he said. “I had to fight through it while making sure it healed properly.” That perseverance has become a defining part of his approach.
A true four-sport athlete, Smith contributes across the board in basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. On the diamond, he serves as ELCO’s top arm, with his dominant pitching playing a major role in the Raiders’ run to the PIAA State Playoffs during the 2023 baseball season.
Athletics run deep in the Smith family as well—his brother Dakota Smith captained the baseball team during ELCO’s 2021 District Championship run, while his sister Gabby Smith shattered 12 school records in softball and earned All-State honors in 2023. Even the previous generation made its mark, as his father Duane Smith scored 1,559 career points playing basketball at Middleburg High School in the late 1980s.
Away from competition, Smith enjoys spending time with friends, playing video games, and hanging out with his girlfriend. One fun fact? He once ran a 12:12 two-mile—after drinking a Pepsi just two hours beforehand.
What he enjoys most about sports, though, is far more meaningful. “I love playing in front of my family,” he said. “Growing up, I was always watching them play. I also love competing with the same friends I’ve played with since I was little.”
Following high school, Smith plans to continue his athletic journey at the next level, with hopes of playing college baseball while studying business.
A senior leader, four-sport varsity athlete, and relentless competitor, Smith continues to set the tone for ELCO with his effort and toughness.
Congratulations to Austin on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week, and best of luck to him and the Raiders as they continue their push towards the postseason.
Photos provided by ELCO Athletics & Heather Daub
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Ryan Stopper
Past Winners
Braden Demler (Week ending 12/21)
Oliver Funck (Week ending 12/14)
Ben Rhine (Week ending 12/7)
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