Aggie senior will continue her hoops career in the SEC
By DONNA THORNTON, Editor
Albertville girls basketball standout Lani Smallwood made a commitment to Mississippi State University last year and now she’s made it official. On Nov. 17, Albertville High School celebrated her signing.
The senior point guard is coached at Albertville by her proud mom, Natasha Smallwood.
“Lani’s varsity basketball career has been very successful thus far,” Albertville girls basketball head coach Natasha Smallwood said.
“She has played on a varsity team since eighth grade and has helped lead teams at Susan Moore and Albertville to county championships, area championships, regional championships, the Final Four and even to a state championship game.
“She played in the North/South All-Star game this summer and received MVP honors after the game,” Smallwood said.
“She has scored 2,475 points in her career so far and she is getting close to surpassing 1,000 rebounds which is a big goal of hers. She is at 915 right now.”
In a story identifying the best player in each state, published on Maxpreps.com, Aaron Williams names Lani as Alabama’s best.
He cited her 2024-25 stats: Averaging 23 points per game, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 steals, 2/7 assists, her earning Class 7A Player or the Year honors, and the fact that after she transferred to AHS, the Aggies won 24 more games than they had the previous season and reached the Northeast Region finals.
”Lani has been an exceptional leader and competitor for her teams over the years,” Natasha Smallwood said. “Her work ethic and dedication to this sport is a testament of her character.
“As her mom, I have had a front row seat to every practice, big win, disappointment, and struggle since she picked up her first basketball.
“This moment is the culmination of years of sacrifice, hard work, and unwavering determination and I couldn’t be more proud of her! I can’t wait to watch her continue her journey at Mississippi State,” Natasha Smallwood said of Lani’s signing.
ESPN.com ranked Smallwood 75th in the nation, and listed her as a four-star prospect, with a scouting grade of 92.
The Mississippi State basketball program made the Women’s Final Four in 2017 and 2018, falling in the national title game both years. MSU won the Southeastern Conference regular season championship in 2018 and ’19 and won its only conference tournament title in 2019.
Last year, the Bulldogs went 22-12 (7-9 SEC) and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Lani Smallwood laughs during her signing ceremony Nov. 17 at Albertville High School. SPECIAL TO THE LEADER
