Hannah Smith commits to Caper women’s basketball program

Hannah Smith commits to Caper women's basketball program

McKenzie says Bedford native 'fits our system'

By Corey LeBlanc 

One of the top female high school basketball recruits from Nova Scotia will don Caper orange in 2021.

"I am really pumped," Hannah Smith, a native of Bedford, says of her decision to join the Cape Breton University women's program.

The 6'0" guard is in her Grade 12 season with the C.P. Allen Cheetahs of the Metro High School Girls' Basketball League.

"I started when I was four, so I grew up playing [basketball]," she says, following in the footsteps of her mother, Susan, who also played the game.

By the time she was 11 or so – and playing at the mini level – Smith, who also hit the soccer pitch, decided to focus solely on basketball.

"I loved the team aspect and how competitive it was," she says of what drew her to the hardwood.

That growing passion for basketball provided Smith with a variety of experiences, including several times hitting the court with Basketball Nova Scotia (BNS) on the national stage.

"I learned a lot more about the game," she says of her provincial opportunities, ones where her teammates were often older and more experienced.

Smith suited up for the BNS program on five occasions; twice with the U-17 teams and two times at the U-15 level.

"It really helped me improve my game," she adds.

As for the skills that she brings to the court, Smith says her "basketball IQ is pretty strong."

"There is also my defense on the ball," she notes.

The 18-year-old laughs when asked if she agrees with Caper head coach Fabian McKenzie's suggestion that she has a "scorer's mentality."

"Yes, I think he is right," Smith says.

McKenzie describes his newest recruit as a "long, athletic guard," who is a "very, very good shooter."

"We think Hannah has the chance to be an elite shooter," he says.

In reflecting further on her basketball skills, McKenzie notes Smith can "play fast," while providing strong 'D' – including on-the-ball – along with an ability to "apply pressure."

"She is great fit for our system," he says, adding Smith is "able to move up and down the floor."

As for areas in which she hopes to improve, she says "in every aspect" – offensively and defensively – including her "ball handling when under pressure."

McKenzie also points to the "energy and positivity" Smith will bring to the Capers.

"We are always looking to add more players like Hannah," he says, noting how she "fits our culture," both on and off the court.

"She is not only very good academically, but also a very, very good person."

Smith is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program at CBU.

"The biggest thing that caught my eye [in talking with McKenzie] was the school aspect," she says, noting the appeal of studying in smaller classes on a close-knit campus.

Smith also praises the "closeness of the [Caper] team."

"They have such a great culture and atmosphere," she says.

"I am so excited and can't wait to get there."

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