Merion Mercy Academy’s Jada Smith eclipses 1,000 career points

Jenkintown – Whether she is scoring the ball, rebounding the ball, defending the ball or dishing out assists, Merion Mercy Academy senior Jada Smith has played a pivotal role in her team’s success.

Smith relished in some individual success Jan. 10 when she eclipsed the 1,000-point mark for her career. With 1:12 left in their loss against AACA foe St. Basil Academy Smith drove the bucket for the lay-up that gave her career points Nos. 1,000 and 1,001.

“That was a very special moment,” said Smith, who was also nominated for the McDonalds All-American Game that will be played on March 29 in Chicago. “Everything flowed that day and I was happy for the moment. I wanted to make my mark and do it with pride and passion. I am very proud to represent Merion Mercy.”

I was happy for her,” said Merion Mercy head coach Rob Baxter. “She is the first 1,000 point scorer I have had and only the fifth in Merion history. It is a great accomplishment. She has always been a hard worker and a willing teammate.”

Teammate Nora Pergolini added, “It has been an honor to watch her accomplish this feat. She works so hard and deserves this.”

Smith becomes the just the fifth player in school history to eclipse 1,000 career points. Colleen Barrett ’89 was the first in 1989, followed by Colleen Kelly ’94 in 1994, Shanette Lee ’95 in 1995, and Ayeshia Smith ’97 in 1997.

Since her arrival, Smith has been an integral part of Merion’s success that has included two trips to the AACA post-season tournament, two trips to the district tournament and two trips to the state tournament.

“She (Jada) leads by example and she didn’t let her pursuit of 1,000 take away from the team,” said Baxter. “She never even discussed it. I am sure she felt a little pressure to get it over with but she has always played within the team.”

“It all starts in practice with Jada,” Pergolini said. “She pushes us in practice to work hard and do our best. On the court she is always encouraging and cheering us on. She knows the game and loves to spread her knowledge. She has helped become the player I am today.”

“It’s all about staying together,” Smith said when asked about the key to her team’s success. “It’s important to be there for your teammates and encourage them to do their best.”

With the season quickly winding down, Smith will keep her laser like focus on helping her team continue their push towards another post-season berth.

“Making the district tournament in my senior year would mean a lot to me and the team,” said Smith, who plans to major in Neuroscience in college. “It would give the team a lot of confidence and allow the younger players to gain more game experience.”