Central State adds Purcell Marian guard to women’s basketball program
WILBERFORCE, Ohio (BVM) — Recently, it was announced that Leah Smith has committed to officially continue her basketball career at Central State University.
Smith will join the Marauders from Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati. The 5-foot-7 guard will look to carry over the momentum she and her teammates at Purcell Marian gained this past season to Central State.
https://twitter.com/hooperleah18/status/1377417573059411971
Behind solid play from Smith and others, the Cavaliers made their first trip to the OHSAA state tournament this season. Purcell Marian went 21-4 on the year, and was ranked No. 9 in the state.
After making it to regionals the past three years, the Cavaliers finally brought home the first regional title in program history, and would make it all the way to the state semifinals where they lost a close contest to Hiland.
Smith, as she has all year, contributed to a balanced scoring attack with eight points in the semifinal game. She also hit a key three-pointer — the team’s only of the contest — to make it a two-point game with under two minutes remaining.
As one door closes for Smith and her Purcell Marian teammates, another opens.
🏀CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICIALLY WELCOMES 5'7 GUARD LEAH SMITH TO THE LADY MARAUDER BASKETBALL PROGRAM🏀@CentralState87 @StudentPres @ADTaraOwens @ENQSports @CincyCsu @TheSIAC @NCAADII @daytonsports @xeniagazette @ReggieWilson_ @Andre247Now @Division2Hoops @smcollegehoops pic.twitter.com/RAuRhpbCI3
— Central State Athletics (@GO_MARAUDERS) April 7, 2021
The guard will now have her chance to help build the Marauders program into a winner behind coach Cathy Parson who was hired by Central State last fall.
