Clarion Athletics

Rollie Smith, an outstanding point guard at Clarion from 2000 – 2003 under coach Ron Righter, was undoubtedly one of the most talented men's basketball players to ever wear the blue and gold. A four-year starter who played in all 111 games (5th all-time) during his great career, Rollie was the PSAC "Rookie of the Year" in 2000, PSAC Tournament MVP leading Clarion to the PSAC Title in 2001, and a first team PSAC-West and All-America selection in 2003. He ranks sixth in career scoring with 1,468 points, second in three-point field goals made with 261, fourth in assists with 455 and seventh in steals with 154. Smith made 38% of his career three pointers (261 of 687) and 76.2% (281 of 369) from the free throw line, As a freshman in the 2000 season Smith led Clarion to a 20-7 overall record and the PSAC-West title (10-2) averaging 9ppg with 101 assists and 35 steals. In 2001 Smith helped lead the team to its first PSAC Championship and the NCAA Division II Playoffs sporting a 19-10 overall record and a 7-5 mark in the West. Clarion capped a run to the PSAC title with an 80-77 overtime win against West Chester. Smith tied the game in regulation with a three-point buzzer beater, then scored seven overtime points to secure the title. Smith averaged 11.4ppg with 126 assists and 41 steals. In 2002 the Eagles were 15-11 overall and 7-5 in the West as Smith contributed 12.8ppg with 124 assists and 24 steals. As a senior (2003) Smith was asked to pick up the scoring lead and he did just that scoring 562 points (19.4ppg) with 104 assists and 54 steals. He netted 97 three-pointers, third most in a single season. He also scored 38 points versus Pitt-Johnstown going 12 for 12 (100%) from the free throw line in that game, tying a school record. Rollie helped lead Clarion to a combined four-year overall record of 73-38 and a PSAC-West mark of 31-17. A native of Cleveland, Ohio and a 1999 graduate of Villa Angela – Saint Joseph's High, Smith is currently the Basketball Director at the NEO Sports Plant in Euclid, Ohio.