When Montville’s Nikkia Smith scored 28 points against Stonington High’s 6-foot, 4-inch center Heather Buck as a sophomore two years ago, many eyes were opened.
Buck was the state’s two-time Player of the Year, ultimately earning a scholarship to play at UConn this year. She usually nullified an opposing center with her shot-blocking ability. Smith, however, served notice that she could someday deserve a Division I scholarship as well.
And last week, that day came. Smith became the first Montville High basketball player to earn a Division I scholarship, signing a national letter of intent to attend the University of Hartford next fall.
“She played Heather seven or eight times and put up great numbers,” Montville coach Derek Wainwright said. “She’s a great kid who has worked hard for four years. She has 900 points and 600 rebounds now, and if everything goes well she should leave here as the school’s all-time leading scorer.”
A powerfully-built 6 feet, 2 inches, Smith believes she will shuttle between power forward and center at Hartford, which is coached by former UConn All-America Jen Rizzotti, the point guard on the Huskies’ 35-0 national champions in 1995.
“I’ve always wanted to play Division I but wondered if I could handle the commitment,” Smith said. “As I gained maturity, I knew I could. It’s wonderful to go into my senior year stress-free as far as my college choice is concerned. I just can’t believe it. It will be an honor to play for Jen Rizzotti, who was such a great player and a great coach.”
Hartford’s program is on the rise, much like Montville’s. The Hawks have posted 27-4, 25-9, and 28-6 records in the last three seasons. Hartford won an NCAA Tournament game last season. The Hawks have an ECC connection. Former NFA standout guard Courtney Gomez was a Hartford co-captain last year. Former Wheeler High All-State pick Keyokah Mars-Garrick is a 6-foot-1 freshman forward.
Smith, who averaged 18 points a game last year, is an All-America nominee after helping Montville set a school record with 20 wins en route to a Class M state semifinal berth—the program’s best finish ever. Wainwright expects another strong season despite the graduation of guards Lindsey Stergio and Caitlyn Quinn. Both earned Division II scholarships last season.
Hartford does not have a player taller than 6 feet, 2 inches on its current roster.
“It’s been mentioned that I’ll play different spots—power forward and center,” Smith said. “I’m a little undersized for center, but I’m strong in the lower body. I’ll definitely play a lot of center.”
As far as her historic signing, Smith said, “Montville is an up-and-coming town. The football team is doing great and has some talented players. I’m sure they’ll be more Division I signings coming up.”
By Larry Kelley
Special to the Times