Lamar University Transfer Returns Home

Kensha’Dra Smith is happy to be back home.

After graduating from Palm Beach Central High School in West Palm Beach where she averaged 14 points per game, Smith accepted a scholarship to play at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.

However, after one semester she became frustrated with the coaching and got homesick. The sophomore guard then transferred to Miami Dade College.

Smith is averaging 14.3 points and 3.2 rebounds during her inaugural season with the Lady Sharks. She also has a 56.7 shooting percentage from 3-point range.

“I’ve always been very confident on my shot since my high school days,” Smith said .

Her breakout performance came against Santa Fe College on Nov. 1 when she scored a season-high 29 points. She also had a stellar performance versus the College of Central Florida on Nov. 14 when she scored 16 points.

Smith has been one of the few bright spots for the 0-7 Lady Sharks.

“Kensha’Dra brings a championship attitude and a tremendous offensive presence,” said Sharks Women’s Head Basketball Coach Susan Summons.

Smith, 19, is majoring in sports medicine and hopes to continue her playing career after MDC at a major university preferably in northern Florida or in Georgia.

But before that becomes a reality, Summons said Smith’s game needs some improvement. She wants to see her become more fierce on the court.

“She has the ability to do more damage, but is still too passive,” Summons said. “She needs to be in attack mode and be more aggressive.”

The Lady Sharks next home game is versus Baltimore City Community College at the Miami Dade College Lakes Shootout on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Theodore R. Gibson Health Center, 11011 S.W.104 St.  Admission to all games is free.