She provided fuel for Rockets’ rapid ascent in basketball
By Zay’Ahni Neurell
Universal Audenried Charter High School
Although the season is over, Universal Audenried Charter School’s basketball team made history by becoming the first sport to win a championship in school history. And Shayla Smith became the fastest player to reach 1,000 points as a sophomore. Prior to this season, the Audenried Rockets had never won a playoff game. Even though she accomplished so much, Shayla is willing to continue to work hard to accomplish even more throughout her basketball career.
Universal Audenried’s players are hyping up Shayla Smith (24), a Sophomore guard, in the second round of PIAA state games against Trinity Catholic at Garden Spot High School on March 15, 2023.Shayla Smith (24), knocks down a foul shot to tie the game before going into halftime after being fouled by a Trinity Catholic player on March 15th, 2023.Shayla Smith warms up for the 4A City Championship. The Public League Champions, Audenried, played against the Pennsylvania Catholic League Champions, Lansdale Catholic, on March 2, 2023 at La Salle College High School.Trinity Catholic teammates play defense on Audenried’s 24 (Smith) during the second round PIAA state game at Garden Spot High School on March 15, 2023. Sophomore Shayla Smith practices shooting before the 4A City Championship against Lansdale Catholic.Shayla Smith scores Audenried’s first two points in the 4A City Championship against Lansdale Catholics Gabby Cassey (left) and Jaida Helm (Right) on March 2nd, 2023.Audenried Rockets huddle up before they play Lansdale Catholic for the 4A City Championship title on March 15, 2023.Shayla Smith mentally prepares for her team’s first second round playoff game in history against Trinity Catholic at Garden Spot High School on March 15, 2023.Aniyah Howard (5), Shyann Osbourne (21), Errionah Shelly (22), and Shayla Smith (24) compete in their last game of the 2023 season with the upset from Trinity Catholic at Garden Spot High School on March 15, 2023 with a final score of 62-51.
