By Sean Savage
@SeanSav13
Charles Smith isn’t just a coach – he’s a living legend, an immortal figure in high school basketball. With over five decades at Peabody Magnet High School (La.), his resume includes an undefeated 41-0 season in 2010, ESPN’s National Coach of the Year honors, coaching in the 2020 McDonald’s All-American Game and most recently becoming the sixth high school basketball coach inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.
“It’s great to be considered among the greats,” Smith said. “Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. I’m in great company. And truly, coming from Central Louisiana, it’s a humbling area; what I’m saying is there’s no multimillionaires where I’m from.”
On the second day of Hoophall, Smith stepped into the spotlight once more, adding another chapter to his storied career. After traveling more than 1,500 miles with his squad, Smith donned the iconic orange Naismith Hall of Fame jacket and took to the sidelines with the same fire that has guided his teams for 54 years.
“This was a great opportunity for our basketball team,” Smith said.
Smith is renowned not only for his on-court success but also for his unwavering commitment to shaping lives beyond the game.
“Most of my guys are at-risk guys, they come from mostly low-income families,” Smith said. “Most of them have a single parent, which is the mom, so I try to be their father figure for them and help them think outside the box. That there are other opportunities and things for them in the world.”
In its 50-48 win against Springfield Central, Peabody Magnet showcased the same grit that has defined Smith’s teams for decades.
From the moment Rashad Mitchell drained a leaning jumper from the left elbow – an area the Warhorses used throughout the game – following the opening tip won by teammate Telek Love, Peabody took control and set the pace.
Peabody moved the ball swiftly on offense, exploiting weaknesses in the Golden Eagles’ defense and creating several open looks from all areas of the floor.
The Warhorses were also quick to crash the boards, further showcasing their effort Smith always preaches – a quality also personified in their tough, energetic zone defense. Late in the second quarter, with three minutes remaining until halftime, Malachi Anderson sent Springfield Central’s Unique Kynard crashing out of bounds due to an emphatic chasedown block off the glass – cementing their defensive dominance and protecting their 13-point lead, 33-20, at the half.
Their unrelenting defense, which occasionally morphed into a full-court press that wreaked havoc, were a testament to Smith’s sideline leadership.
“He does a great job,” senior guard Isiah Jones said. “He’s a great role model for us.”
A standout performance from Jones, who finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists, paired with Love’s 12 points and nine rebounds, fueled Peabody’s success. Together, the tandem ensured the Golden Eagles didn’t seize the game in the clutch minutes.
Despite a narrow margin when the final buzzer sounded, Smith leaned on his instincts to carry his squad through.
“In that game tonight, we had to make some adjustments and the players had to make them on the court,” Smith said. “In order to do that, you have to be academically sound. That’s why I stress academics.”
While the scoreboard signaled the Warhorses’ 20th win of the season, Smith’s true victories lie in the futures he has shaped. Throughout his career, his coaching philosophy emphasizes that success in the classroom is just as important as success on the court.
“Your athletic skill is only going to you so far, you’re going to run into guys who are bigger, faster and stronger,” Smith said. “So what you’re going to have to do is outthink them.”
Smith’s dedication to the program has led to numerous Peabody players earning scholarships to top universities alongside excelling in fields like law, medicine and business. Many of them still carry Smith’s life lessons with them.
“He’s a great coach,” Jones said. “He’s very hard on us, but it all starts in the classroom.”
When reflecting on his Naismith Hall of Fame induction, Smith mentioned slowing down isn’t in sight. Rather, he’s opting to focus on mentoring the next generation of Peabody players – instilling the same values that have guided his legendary career.
Photo by River Mitchell/The Student