By: Victoria White

    Hometown hero from Highland Park High School, sophomore guard Morgan Smith will compete under the Dallas skyline as she did throughout high school for the Lady Scots and during her freshman debut last year for the Mustangs.

    Since arriving on The Hilltop, Smith said she has seen herself grow in many ways.

    "I've definitely gotten a lot stronger," Smith said. "Mentally stronger too, not just physically. I felt like when I came in I was just small and undersized, and I think I've really grown that way."

    This year, after accumulating 22 rebounds, 38 points, five assists and three steals in 28 of 30 games last season, the 5-6 guard plans to continually develop her abilities.

    "Definitely my shooting, I think I can be more of a threat from behind the three-point line this year," Smith said, when asked about what areas she wants to improve in this season.

    With the first home exhibition this Sunday (Oct. 28) against Lubbock Christian at 2 p.m., the Mustangs have been preparing with an offseason intensity. Practices and workouts have been a grind, but with games approaching, the Mustangs are getting ready for the rivalry and revelry of battle.

    "[Practices have been] pretty good," Smith said. "It's definitely tough getting up early. But for the most part, it's gone well."

    Additionally, she said the team dynamic has been cohesive, so far.

    "I felt like everyone just came in and clicked pretty well," Smith said. "Everybody really gets along. There's not really any drama or anything like that, so it's been good."

    Essentially an upperclassmen, even though the Dallas, Texas, native was a freshman last year, Smith and the other girls have encouraged the seven new members on the roster.

    "Just talking to them a lot, giving them encouragement," Smith said. "Because I know, it was just me last year. Coming in as a freshman, you need that, especially because it's just a whole new experience at the college level."

    In high school, Smith was on the all-conference team and Academic All-District squad, averaging 13 points and six assists per game for the Lady Scots. She also played club basketball with the Dallas Hurricanes.

    Although there are many differences from the high school to college game, Smith has certainly adapted.

    "It's definitely a lot more fast paced from high school, and so just getting repetition in and just keep working on your game is really what has helped a lot," Smith said. "And especially during pickup games, stuff like that, just kind of getting acclimated to it."

    The Pre-Advertising major also has high goals and expectations for the Mustangs this year.

    "I will definitely want to get some more minutes in this year, and just be more successful in general," Smith said. "To have more wins for sure than last year and have a more successful season than we did last year, just improving."