BY TYLER CLIFTON

HERALD DEMOCRAT

Craig Riggins and Helena Smith played basketball at Tarleton State University, so it wasn't really a surprise son Matthew had the game in his genes.

Smith, a senior at Whitewright, made himself and his parents proud Wednesday, signing a letter of intent to compete at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He chose the Phoenix over offers from North Texas, Arkansas-Little Rock, Utah State, Wright State and others.

"I grew up always knowing I wanted to play basketball, but it just hasn't hit me yet that I'm going to play in college," Smith said. "I've had people telling me since I was a sophomore I could play at the next level, and it's a relief knowing I can just play and not have to impress anyone. I wasn't as overwhelmed as I thought I would be."

Smith, a 6-foot-6 inch forward, helped lead the 2006-2007 Tigers under coach Phil Kempson to the state tournament as a sophomore. Whitewright beat defending Class 1A champion Bogata Rivercrest in the regional finals and was later named to the University Interscholastic League's all-tournament team.

It ironically occurred on the same Tarleton State floor his parents used to call home.

"Coach Kempson has always been there for me whenever I needed him," Smith said. "If you needed the gym open, he would do it for you, and he's always done whatever he could to help me out."

Smith began playing summer ball in the seventh grade and latched on to the Dallas Hoop Dreams, a team coached by Chris Oestreich. He attended the Reebok Main Event in Las Vegas and averaged more than 20 points.

"Coach O helped me through the offseason and taught me numerous things," Smith said. "The main reason I got through the entire recruiting process was because of him."

Smith was chosen as the Most Valuable Player in District 14-2A for the second straight year and hasn't shied away from the leadership role that was given to him two years ago.

Smith was sold after his mid-September visit to the school, and he laughs when talking about making a wardrobe change for the time he will spend near the Great Lakes.

"There will be a little more snow there," Smith said despite the two storms that blanketed the Texoma area early this year. "I really liked the atmosphere there, and I know it's a long way north of here, but it doesn't really feel that far away."

Smith, who averaged 19.4 points, 10.1 blocks and 2.6 rebounds per game and is a versatile player who can play inside and out. He will most likely play small forward at UWGB.

"I think the most exciting thing is the fact you've got something really good happening to a great kid," Oestreich said. "Matt works extremely hard and does everything he's asked for the better of the team even if it takes the offense away from him. He was the school's first choice and can play multiple positions. They're talking about him playing immediately."

For now, the kid with the size 17 shoe plans to major in physical education in hopes of one day becoming an athletic director.

"My parents help me keep my head on straight and put God first," Smith said. "Winning a state championship this year would be icing on the cake as well."