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A senior guard on Carroll County’s 21-1 Southwest District champion basketball team, Chris Smoot is unquestionably the team’s best defender and one of its top hustlers. Having set the school record for receiving yards in a season during his senior year on the football field, Smoot is also a sparkplug for the hoops’ team. He also is known as the team’s biggest trash talker. Read more to find out what makes Smoot tick on the basketball court.

Why did you follow Abingdon’s Josh Hess into the Falcons’ huddle, and what was the reaction you received from the Abingdon team? I thought I could help the coach out with a game plan for him to get around me, cause he was struggling so bad, and I thought I could keep his spirits up.

We often see you smiling and patting other players on the back, but we have a sneaking suspicion you aren’t complimenting them on their play. What exactly are you saying to opponents usually? If they miss a shot, I just pat them on their behind and in my own way tell them it’s o.k., I’ll give you the next shot

Would you consider yourself to be the best trash talker on Carroll County’s basketball team? Please explain your answer to the class: By far, I like to find out just how mentally weak they are.

Give us an example of Chris Smoot trash talk: Well I am taking government currently so I believe I will exercise my constitutional right and plea the 5th on this question. However you can catch up with me after the season and I will fill you in.

Ohio State will visit Lane Stadium on September 19, 2015 to take on Virginia Tech. How bad do you think the Buckeyes will lose? The only thing O - State will lose is some travel time. I’m not sure they won’t just bring their scout team down here. (Editor’s Note: That’s true, Chris. If Ohio State gets in any more trouble with the NCAA, a scout team may be all they have left. Zing!)

Which sport do you like playing the best, football or basketball? I like football better during football season, and basketball better during basketball season.

Do you have a nickname, and if so, what is it? Smooty, Smootness, and Smoot- Dogg

How did it feel to set the school’s all-time record for receiving yards in a season with 792 yards this year? It was more fun than I could imagine. I’m just glad that the coaches trusted me to call my number and that Connor would make it so easy for me cause he always threw the ball right there.

Who wins in one-on-one games between you and your brother Wes? Me! I can shoot.

Who is the nastier dunker, your brother Wes or Cody Keith? Truthfully Wes is older and has got a 360 dunk, but Cody is better now than Wes was when he was in 11th grade.

As Carroll County’s best defender, how do you think you would fare trying to stop Ryan Gravley, Gunnar Beamer and Connor Lundy? I would shut them down.

Tell us about the time Coach Motley had to lend you a pair of shorts for practice? Funny situation, I had forgot my shorts and coach Motley got me a pair of cheerleaders shorts. That lasted about 10 minutes. I couldn’t keep them on, luckily (Taylor) Case had an extra pair.

What was your favorite highlight reel play from your football career? Martinsville game, right before half I caught a comeback pass with time running out. Everyone was yelling for me to go out of bounds but I broke one tackle then I found the end-zone.

Who is your favorite athlete and why? Rondo, cause he does his homework on players, finds out dirt on them and uses it to get in their heads on game night.

If we confiscated your I-Pod, what could we expect to hear? Probably some Tammy Wynette, George Jones, and definitely some George Strait……Skye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And finally, give us an example of your rap skills by telling us how you think Carroll County’s basketball season will play out: That’s too easy, remember you can’t get to Smooth without going through Smoot first!!!