Las Vegas High’s Ray Smith returns, scores 22 in all-star basketball game

Las Vegas High’s Ray Smith wasn’t sure what to expect in his first game back since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament July 10 at the adidas Unrivaled Camp in Chicago.

The 6-foot-8-inch small forward, who has signed with Arizona, reminded everyone on Wednesday why he was one of the nation’s most coveted prospects.

Smith scored 22 points and had five rebounds to lead the Sunrise to a 119-118 win over the Sunset in the Southern Nevada Senior All-Star Basketball Game at Foothill High. Devon Colley, a New Orleans signee, hit the go-ahead bucket with 18.7 seconds for the Sunrise.

“This just tells me that no skill, no heart, no perseverance, no attitude, nothing is lost,” Smith said. “It was a setback for a major comeback. I really believe that. And I just thank God for everything he’s done for me.

“It’s a blessing. If all these people weren’t here, I’d be crying right now.”

Smith, who missed his senior season, received a loud ovation after splitting two defenders and throwing down a dunk for the game’s first points.

Smith, the 17th-ranked player on Rivals.com, then added an alley-oop on the next possession. He also had an emphatic off-the-backboard block for the Sunrise, which trailed 63-62 at halftime.

Canyon Springs’ Jordan Davis had 20 points for the Sunrise, which also got contributions from Valley’s Shea Garland (18 points, 12 rebounds) and Taveon Jackson (17 points).

Centennial’s Darrian Traylor led the Sunset with 18 points. Cimarron-Memorial’s Terrell Walker had 16 points and seven rebounds, and Palo Verde’s Grant Dressler and Bishop Gorman’s Nick Blair each finished with 13 points and six rebounds.

GIRLS

Liberty’s Paris Strawther, a UNLV signee, had 24 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks to power the Sunrise to an 80-44 win over the Sunset.

Liberty teammates Aubre Fortner (12 points, five rebounds) and Kealy Brown (eight points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals) also made strong contributions for the Sunrise.

Coronado’s Dajah Washington scored 11 points, and Rancho’s LaKissa Martin had eight points, seven rebounds and two blocks for the Sunrise, which led 45-30 at halftime.

Durango’s Jazmin Chavez led the Sunset with 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Bonanza’s Alyssa Powers added 14 points and six rebounds.

Contact reporter Ashton Ferguson at aferguson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430. Follow him on Twitter: @af_ferguson.