Smith

ADAMS TWP — There was a time when the Mars boys basketball program's 1,000-point club had just one member.

But the field just welcomed its third player in four seasons.

Senior forward Vinny Smith reached the milestone when he scored 22 points in a game against Valley Jan. 30.

He joined Steve Cress (1,208), Tim Frye (1,162) and Bill Cress (1,098) as the only four Planets to do so.

"The game was at Valley, but they still stopped the game when I got to 1,000," said Smith. "For them to do that, it meant a lot to me."

Smith now has 1,060 points in his career as the Planets (15-7, 7-5) prepare for the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

"It's nice to know that getting to 1,000 points comes in a season when we get to the playoffs," Smith said. "I didn't want (my personal accomplishment) to be the highlight of the season."

Smith is averaging 16.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, four blocks and four steals per game.

"His skill set has been everything that we hoped it would be," said Mars coach Rob Carmody. "He has grown since coming in as a freshman with high expectations and has made a steady progression."

That consistent climb began during the 2005-06 season, when Smith started as a freshman and scored in double figures in 10 of 23 games, including 25 against Deer Lakes.

His sophomore year yielded 15 double-digit games and an average of 10.2 points.

As a junior, he recorded 11.4 points, eight rebounds and three assists per game, earning a spot on the Butler Eagle's third team.

With the graduation of Steve Cress, Mars' all-time leading scorer, the Planets were in need of a go-to player, and Smith has filled that role successfully.

He scored a career-best 31 points and managed 15 rebounds in a win over rival Hampton Jan. 20.

Smith's senior season also has included games of 24, 23, 22, 21 and 20 points, all coming within the last 16 games.

"My teammates are doing a good job of getting me the ball and I'm converting more shots," said Smith. "The whole team is playing better. It's not just me."