Robert Smith and Cincinnati State Head Coach Andre Tate.
FOUNTAIN CITY, Ind. – Smiles were on the faces of those in attendance at Northeastern High School on Tuesday as two basketball players declared their intentions to extend their careers.
Robert Smith signed with Cincinnati State, while Bailey Stewart announced his commitment to attend Earlham College.
“Both of those kids are going to be missed and they were a huge part of our program,” Northeastern Head Coach Brent Ross said.
Smith will be playing for Surge Head Coach Andre Tate at the two-year school that competes in the Ohio Community College Conference.
“It’s about finding the right fit,” Ross said. “They do play a lot of the same style and he’s probably going to play right away. I hope we’re talking about him transferring somewhere else and he has a degree.”
Smith was impressed with Tate early in the recruiting process.
“The way he talked to me,” said Smith, who is the son of Robert and Liz. “He was like part of my family.”
“It’s the best feeling in the world that I get to continue doing something I love,” added Smith, who plans to study business.
Tate likes what Smith will add to his program.
“He played on the top of their press and on top of their zone,” Tate said. “I play a 1-3-1 and get after a little bit and I thought he fit our program very well.”
“He’s got basketball instincts,” Tate continued. “Hopefully, he can have a great two-year career with us.”
Bailey Stewart and Northeastern Head Coach Brent Ross
Staying Close
Like Smith, Stewart is thrilled to be moving on to the next level.
“I’m just excited to keep playing,” said Stewart, who is the son of Robert and Brandy. “Especially, to continue my education at a great college.”
“It’s close to home too,” Stewart said. “I love the atmosphere.”
Ross feels Stewart, who plans to study business, is prepared for Earlham.
“He has really bonded well with that group,” Ross said. “(Earlham Head) Coach (Jason) Polykoff is doing a great job of getting young recruits. I think he will be a positive influence right away.”
Northeastern finished the season at 23-5 as the Knights won their Class 2A sectional title and the Tri-Eastern Conference title.
Smith and Stewart were both All-TEC selections
During his senior year, Smith scored 16.0 points per game and led the Knights with 8.8 rebounds a contest.
Stewart, who spent his first three years at National Trail, finished his career with 1,118 points.