It wasn’t long ago that sixth graders were not allowed to participate in middle school athletics in Beaufort County, as well as various other places across the state and country. However, that is no longer the case, and Chocowinity Middle School’s Chaise Smith not only plays, but he has earned a starting position for the Indians basketball team in his sixth grade season.

Smith doesn’t just start for the Indians he is one of their go-to scorers. Early on this season, Smith has already showcased his ability to score points in bunches. He picked up 16 against Bath earlier this season, and scored 10 on Monday evening against Northeast Elementary.

Smith is likely the smallest guy on the court every time he steps on the floor, but packs a lot of punch in his offensive attack. He has a strong ability to finish at the rim, and has the upper body strength to get a shot off after being fouled. He has a lot of speed, reads passes, turns them into fast breaks, and has the vision to dish it off to one of his teammates with an open look if needed.

Smith said after Monday night’s game that he is pretty much the whole package on the hardwood.

“I mean, I can pretty much do everything. I can pass, dribble and score,” Smith said when asked what makes him a good basketball player. “It’s exciting to be on the floor playing against kids that are older than me.”

Smith said he will likely attend a private high school when his time at Chocowinity is up, but said there are still things he wants to accomplish in his Indians tenure.“I want to lead the team in points and assists, but I got to work on my rebounding,” Smith said.

His teammates are well aware of the athletic talent that’s on the floor with them each night. Eighth grader Jamie Corprew said it’s fun playing with someone that’s as good and as young as Smith.
“Chase is a great athlete. For his age, he is thriving. He helps us in so many ways. If someone tells him to do something, he does it. He’s an all-around athlete,” Corprew said. “It feels good to be a part of a team that I know when anybody steps on the floor they can get the job done.”

The Indians defeated Northeast Elementary on Monday night, 58-29, to advance to 5-0 on the season. Chocowinity head coach Alan Swain talked about the kind of player that Smith is.

“He’s a dynamic player. He can do a little bit of everything as you can see. He’s got a great eye for the open guy, we see it every day in practice. He can really make you think like he’s going to take it to the glass and then he dishes it off to somebody else or vice versa,” Swain said. “He’s got a niche for the game. He’s got a good feel of where to be, I think the sky is the limit for him. He’s got a lot of potential and I’m excited to have him for the next two and a half years.”