CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – West Creek junior guard Devin Smith is our Clarksville Now Player of the Week after his performances during the week of Feb. 6.

West Creek kicked off their week by going up against the Northeast High Eagles on Tuesday, Feb. 7. The Coyotes were seeking redemption going into the matchup after a previous 59-63 overtime loss to the Eagles.

Their second matchup of the season also went down to the wire, but West Creek was able to pull out the 51-47 win down the stretch of the game. Smith played a key role in the Coyotes’ victory, which included scoring 15 points, 3 steals and hitting the go-ahead three pointer.

“We came out slow out of the gate, but once the second half came around, we did what we do best, which is getting in transition and playing good defense. Then, at the end of the game Coach Malone ran a play for me, and the team executed it, which led to me getting open. It ended up going in, and it was a great feeling when it all played out.”

West Creek finished their week in a 65-76 loss against Rossview, but Smith ended the game with 12 points, 3 assists and 2 steals.

2022-23 season

Smith has been effective and efficient on both sides of the ball all season for the Coyotes.

According to West Creek Head Coach Russell Malone, the junior guard is averaging 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game.

“You know this is my first season playing varsity,” said Smith. “With the way I’ve been playing, it’s only up from here. I feel like I’m getting better after every game.”

Coaches corner

“Devin’s come a long way since coming in his freshmen year,” said Malone. “He came in during COVID, and I’ve mentioned to the team several times, that when that class became sophomores, they were technically freshmen all over again since they didn’t have a full freshmen season.

“In a way they were thrown to the wolves last year in certain situations, but Devin has provided us a much-needed shooting threat on the perimeter, which has been extremely valuable for us ever since December. When we turned the corner after Christmas, we went over to Todd County where we played three games and won a tournament up there. Ever since that time, he’s provided us with a consistent threat on the perimeter,” said Malone.

“Another thing is most people don’t realize is how much he’s improved on defense, and he fully has the ability to guard some of the better players in our city. A lot of times when you have good shooters and players who provide a spark out on the ark, you may not always get the defensive effort you need, but Devin is definitely not a liability on either side of the ball.”

What’s next

Malone said Smith needs to stay steady and consistent going into postseason play to give West Creek a lift in the playoffs.

West Creek begins their district championship journey on Friday, Feb. 17, when they take on Northeast High for the third time this season.

With the series split 1-1 during the regular season, it could very well go down to the wire just like the previous two matchups.

Honorable mention

Several other players had great weeks on the basketball court. Here are some that merit special mention:

  • Rossview sophomore Houston Hebert averaged 15 points and 9.5 rebounds in two games last week.
  • Fort Campbell junior Maurice Moore averaged 12 points and 9 rebounds in two games from last week.

Player of the Week