Get to know Oak Ridge Lady War Eagle basketball player Jamy Smith

THE WOODLANDS, Texas- The other night I was idle as all sports events were covered so I had to find something entertaining to do. Lo and behold I was suddenly at Klein Forest high school watching the Oak Ridge Lady War Eagle basketball scrimmage versus Klein Forest. It's always fun to check out some preseason basketball to see if you can guess how the team will do in the coming season.

Well, although I was ready to be entertained by the scrimmage, I was distracted by an unfortunate occurrence during the early moments of the game. Oak Ridge shooting guard, senior Jamy Smith got her hand stepped on and the game had to be stopped. What happened next turned out to be the main reason why I am scribing this profile.

As Jamy got up off the floor, it was obvious for all to see who were close by that her right hand pinky finger was severely mangled. My first thought when I took a look at Jamy's hand was how fingers are not supposed to go like that. Justifiably, my editor did not think it would be appropriate to include the picture of Jamy's hand to accompany this story. Take my word for it, be glad that decision was made.

So, what was Jamy's first reaction? She didn't want to come out of the game. Then, after she knew that wasn't going to happen she wanted to remain on the bench until the game was over. Then, when she knew that wasn't going to happen, she insisted on going back to the gym after the hospital so she could root on her team.

Sure enough, Jamy was back on the Lady War Eagle bench rooting on her team when the scrimmage concluded.

Needless to say, this week's Q&A is on the tough, scrappy and feisty Jamy Smith.

1) How long have you been playing basketball?

I started playing in 7th grade at York Junior High School. ]

2) What position?

Primarily a shooting guard and point guard.

3) What college are you hoping to go to?

I have been contacted by several D3, D2, and JUCO schools from Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas. I won't decide where to go until the season is over. I plan to play in college because I don't think my journey is supposed to end in high school and I think that experience will help me with my career.

4) Field of study?

I want to study Kinesiology or Sports Medicine

5) What are your plans after college?

I want to be a Physician's Assistant because my experience with Dr. Brant Lipscomb and his staff has been so awesome. I believe that's something I would really enjoy.

6) Do you like ORHS and why?

Yes. Every class, freshmen through seniors, supports each other. The student body, faculty, and administrators bring moral and physical support to every classroom, sporting, and extra-curricular activity... We are like one big family.

7) Describe the basketball team's team chemistry:

We have about fifty girls in our program this year and we have developed really awesome chemistry. During our off-season program, we all work out together and hold each other accountable. The freshmen look up to the upperclassmen and the upper-classmen mentor the younger girls. We all support each other and push each other to be the best that we can be. We all know that we are only as good as our weakest link and we push each other very hard. Everyone in the program has a voice and we treat each other equally going for the same goal, to be the best we can be. We upperclassmen understand that the classroom is of utmost importance and we tutor each other to try to make sure that everyone keeps their grades up out of respect for each other and the overall good of the program. This also bonds the members of our program. We carpool and hang out together like a big family. If one gets out of line, we address the issue and correct the problem before it has time to fester. Basically, we just look out for each other.

8) Describe your coaches:

I have had a different coach each year that I have played so I have been fortunate enough to be able to pick up many different positive points from multiple coaching styles. In the 7th grade, Coach Graham instilled in us the basics of the game, a strong work ethic, the meaning of team and community, and good sportsmanship. Coach Kloesel reinforced the same points during the 8th grade and prepared us for the next level. Our 9th grade coach, Coach Denmon, introduced us to the additional intensity of high school ball and school pride while furthering our basketball knowledge and skills. Coach Simons, our 10th grade coach, continued developing us in all aspects of the game as she made us compete to earn spots for the next level. Coach Belanger, our assistant coach, has been an unwavering rock of support all four years I have been at Oak Ridge. Coach Gibson, our varsity coach last year, worked us hard and brought us to a more college level experience by emphasizing academics, character, work ethic, the team concept, and balance in life on and off the court. Our coach this year, Coach Vasquez, is awesome. Her energy and enthusiasm feeds into each of us. She expects alot out of us and we work hard to try to meet her expectations. This off-season we worked very hard in strength and conditioning. We are a fairly small team for 6-A and Coach Vasquez has designed our conditioning and court play style to maximize our size and abilities for success. Our trainers are awesome as well. They are knowledgeable professionals who are always available to keep our aches and pains manageable so we can participate at our best. Even the coaches of our other sports know us by name and support us in our academics and sports endeavors. Like I said, Oak Ridge athletics is like a huge family. It is awesome.

9) What do you enjoy doing away from school and basketball?

I have an older brother, Josh, who plays baseball in college. He is truly my best friend. I love to hang out with him when we can and I love to watch him play. I try to go to as many of his games as I can. I love my granddad and like to hang out with him on his ranch. I enjoy riding four-wheelers and dirtbikes, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and long walks on the beach. I have been blessed with many amazing friends and I love to hang out with them whenever I can. I also read a lot of inspirational books and focus on my spiritual walk.

10) Who is your role model for basketball?

That's a tough one. I really respect Shane Battier because of how he plays, how he just goes about his business without seeking the spotlight. But, I guess I would have to say Michael Jordon because of how he played the NBA championship game with the flu, fought through the adversity, and made the game winning shot.

11) Describe how supportive your family is.

Wow! My brother is my biggest supporter. He is older and sets a pretty high standard to live up to. We are very competitive and kind of push each other to be the best we can be and try to outdo each other. My mom and dad are the best. They have been there for me cheering me on for all these years and I know they will continue to support me in whatever I do. They also both let me know that there is life after basketball and that I need to do what I need to do to be ready to go forward in life. My granddad can't make my games but he always checks in with me to make sure I know that he is there for me and how proud he is of me.

Smith visited Dr Brandt Lipscomb and Jamy has Surgery on Tuesday at Memorial Herman to put in three pins. She'll be in a hard cast for two weeks followed by a soft cast for two weeks. Lipscomb is hoping to have her back in action for the district opener on December 15th. The team hopes she gets back soon as she is obviously a integral part of the program. We just hope she isn't held out for too long or someone better find a good straitjacket company. Smith wants to play and she wants to play now.