By MATT PIKE
A multisport standout athlete at Mid-Buchanan High School, Raife Smith signed with Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas on Saturday to continue his basketball career at the next level.
Smith, a KCI All Conference First Team selection in his senior season on the basketball court, had an outstanding career with the Dragons, shining in his senior season. He was also named All District Player of the Year, earned spots on All Tournament teams, and was an All State selection.
Smith says he chose to stick with basketball at the next level because of his love for the sport, and chose Garden City after conversations with the coaching staff.
"After our first conversation we just picked up talking heavily," Smith tells Clifton Grooms of the Cliff Notes Podcast. "And that's really what sparked it."
Smith also received offers to continue his football career, after an outstanding career with the Dragons on the gridiron. First Team KCI All Conference quarterback and Honorable Mention KCI All Conference Safety in his senior season. He was also named All District quarterback and Second Team All State quarterback, helping lead the Dragons last season to a State Quarterfinal appearance, where they lost to Monroe City. Smith also played baseball and ran track during his time at Mid-Buchanan.
He was named First Team All KCI Conference and First Team All District outfielder, while earning Honorable Mention All State in the outfield, on the baseball diamond. On the track, He earned medals at state, placing second in the 4x400 and third in the 4x200. On his way to state on the track, he also earned first at conference in the 4x200, one of several accolades on his way to Jefferson City.
An outstanding four year career in Faucett now over, as Smith looks back at what he takes away from his time at Mid-Buchanan, the lesson is simple for him: Just live.
"Don't have any regrets, socialize as much as you can, and just be kind," Smith says.
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