J.R. Treats The Fans To Some Slamming

J.R. (Earl) Smith's face lit up when asked which way did he prefer to score -- a long-range shot or a dunk. "A dunk," Smith said without any hesitation. "I love to get up in the air and have some fun."

Smith had plenty of fun yesterday at the Hoop Group's Lehigh Valley Hoop Festival. Smith scored 25 points, including several dunks that would have made SportsCenter's top 10 plays of the day if he had been wearing a college uniform.

Smith, a 2004 prospect who has many high majors interested in his skills, also stepped out beyond the three on four occasions to knock down long-range jumpers. "I am trying to be a complete player," Smith said after St. Benedict's blasted Bethlehem Catholic, 66-33. "I am trying hard to work on my defense too."

St. Benedict's lead 17-12 after the first quarter and 34-19 at the half. The lead stretched to 48-26 after the third quarter. St. Benedict's was not challenged in the last two quarters. "The team played well," Smith said. "My teammates got me the ball at the right time."