BY DAN STICKRADT
CORRESPONDENT
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
Twitter: @LocalSportsFans
HOLLY — Kristyn Smith recently received a piece of mail from Holly alumni Molly Hogan, a person she has never met.
There was a specific reason.
Smith, a sharpshooting, 5-foot-9 senior combo guard for Holly High School, recently became the Bronchos’ all-time leading scorer in a win over Clio. Smith passed up both Allyssa Copley (1,005) and Hugan (1,018) in the same game to reach the summit of the school’s career scoring list.
“They told me before the season that I might get the record. I wasn’t really shooting for it,” said Smith. “I just want to help my team get better and win games. We have a shot at the league title. It was this year and maybe a district.
“It’s cool to get the record,” continued Smith, who carries a 3.7 GPA. “I never expected the attention and having (former players reach out).”
“Molly Hugan was going to come up from Columbus Ohio to see the game, but a snow storm halted that,” said Holly coach David Hall. “She did the next best thing and sent her a letter congratulating Kristyn.”
This season Smith has averaged around 21.0 points, 4.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.0 rebounds and outing for Holly, which is in a three-team race along with Fenton and Flushing for top honors in the Flint Metro League. She also is an 83-percent free throw shooter this winter.
One of the top players in the FML, the fourth-year starter never set out for the record as a personal goal. It’s just an achievement the first-team all-conference pick reached as a steady player.
“That’s the one thing I like about her. It’s not about records, but it’s about helping her team win,” said Hall. “That’s what she cares about. She’s also the hardest worker and a good leader.”
Smith recently committed to Lawrence Tech University, a college program ranked 17th nationally in the NAIA circles. She chose LTU over Alma and several other small colleges in the Midwest.
“It’s nice to get that taken care of. I am looking forward to playing in college,” she said. “Now I can concentrate on helping us win a championship this season. The seniors on this team would really love to win a league or district.”