Showcase Q&A: Palmyra’s Smith discusses favorite restaurants, love of cars and major influences
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10.
PALMYRA, Mo. — It’s only fitting that Mason Smith’s final game representing the Palmyra boys basketball program comes at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center.
It is where Smith will begin his college basketball career next season.
“I definitely think it will be unique,” the JWCC recruit said of playing there, which he will do for the Missouri boys in the fourth annual Muddy River Showcase on June 21.
Smith said playing for Trail Blazers coach Jonny Dahl’s AAU team also played a factor in his decision to go to John Wood.
“Just knowing him, being around him and knowing what he’s about definitely played a big part in it,” Smith said. “When you have that background information, it definitely plays a part in where you want to spend your next couple years.”
Smith said attending John Wood will also help him discover his future career while also playing the sport he loves.
“I’m still undecided on what I want to do,” Smith said. “I’ll be able to explore what’s out there and learn and play at the same time.”
Smith chose sports management as a career path for now, but that could change.
“I figured that would be a good starting point for now, especially with my gen eds,” Smith said. “We’ll just see what happens and what piques my interest.”
Smith discussed what the future holds for him outside of basketball, his favorite restaurants and more with Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey in this Showcase Q&A.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about playing in the Muddy River Showcase?
A: In general, just playing with other kids. I’ve played basketball with a lot of these kids before, and that’s something I’m looking forward to doing again, whether that’s with or against him.
Q: What’s it going to be like playing against Casen Tobias after playing with him for so long?
A: We’ve played each other in other things over the years. I think it’ll just be something like that again.
Q: Who’s the better 1-on-1 player between you two?
A: Over the years, it’s been tough. It’s gone both ways a lot. Sometimes it’s me, sometimes it’s him. I’ve always been a little bit taller than him, so I’ve had the advantage, but it’s gone both ways over the years.
Q: Are you going to try to isolate him a few times in this game?
A: Maybe.
Q: Do you have a favorite restaurant in Palmyra?
A: I go to the Mexican restaurant (El Nopal) and Bordeaux Pizza a lot.
Q: Do you have a favorite restaurant in Quincy?
A: I like Chick’s. You can never go wrong there.
Q: Who has had the biggest influence on your basketball career?
A: Probably Curtis Stout. I’ve played under him for three years now — two at Western, and last year at Palmyra. He’s always treated me like a son and always been there for me. I’ve greatly appreciated that.
Q: Do you have any siblings?
A: Two younger brothers.
Q: What’s it like being the oldest brother?
A: It has its perks, but it also doesn’t at times.
Q: They get on your nerves a lot?
A: Yes, all the time.
Q: Do you have any interesting hobbies that people might not know about?
A: I really like cars. I love vehicles. I always have.
Q: Do you like working on cars?
A: Yes.
Q: What’s your favorite car to work on?
A: Definitely older ones. I grew up around a lot of older cars, so that’s definitely what I enjoy the most.
Q: Do you have a particular make or model that you like?
A: Chevy and Plymouth. I enjoy both.
Q: What’s your dream car?
A: Either a 1970 Chevelle or a ‘69 Camaro.
Q: What was your dream job when you were younger?
A: Either an architect or having my own shop. Having my own shop is definitely still up there as something I’d still like to do, but I’m not sure yet.
Q: Have you come up with a potential name for your shop?
A: Probably something with Smith. I’ve never really thought about that until you said that.
Check out more of the Muddy River Showcase Q&As at the links below:
Payson Seymour’s Blake Schwartz
South Shelby’s Callie McWilliams
West Hancock’s Lewis Siegfried
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