May 21 , 2007

HOUSTON'S SMITH INKS WITH TIGERS

HOUSTON, Miss.--  Northeast Mississippi Community College has made a habit of signing softball standouts from Houston High School in recent years and on Monday, May 21, Hilltoppers’ senior Jayme Smith did her part to keep that tradition going by signing a letter of intent to play for Coach Jody Long’s Tigers beginning next season.

“A bunch of my friends have gone to Northeast in the past,” said Smith, “so I’ve been familiar with the program. It’s a good softball program. I went to watch some games this year and decided that Northeast was where I wanted to play.”

Former Houston standouts Callie Weaver (shortstop) and Shanika Randle (centerfielder) were both freshman starters this past season at NEMCC. It’s Randle whom Houston head coach Keith Jernigan says Smith resembles most at the plate.

“She swings the bat really well,” Jernigan said. “She hits for power a lot like Shanika does. She leaves everything on the field every practice, every game.”

Smith batted .316 with 17 RBI and scored 20 runs during her senior season for the Hilltoppers. For her efforts the catcher/infielder has been selected to participate in the Miss. Association of Coaches All-Star game.

“Jayme is a solid player,” NEMCC head coach Jody Long said. “She swings the bat well and I think she’ll adjust to the speed of the pitchers at this level fairly quickly. Plus, it will be a comfortable transition for her from Houston to Northeast because several of her high school teammates are already wearing black and gold.”

Smith will attend NEMCC beginning in the fall of 2007.

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