NATCHEZ — There’s not much on the basketball court that can slow down Diamond Smith.

Standing an imposing 6-foot-3, the Jefferson County High School senior center towers over the majority of her peers, and also has the necessary skillset to maneuver around them when necessary.

This past season, Smith utilized her unique talents to lead the Lady Tigers to a Region 7-3A title and a trip to the MHSAA Class 3A quarterfinals, averaging a robust 17 points, 11 blocks and 10 rebounds along the way.

For her efforts, Smith has been selected as the 2015-16 Natchez Democrat All-Metro Most Valuable Player, marking the second-consecutive year she’s earned the distinction.

“All I can do is thank the good man above,” Smith said.

While Smith’s numbers over the past two years have proven eye-popping, they haven’t come without a strong work ethic, Jefferson County coach Flora McKnight said.

“Diamond has a great personality, and she always has a smile on her face,” McKnight said. “She’s a good person and a good leader. Her personality is unique is and goes along with her work ethic.”

Perhaps no better example of the two-time All-Metro MVP’s work ethic can be attributed than her ability to bounce back from an ACL tear two years ago.

“I had to keep a good mindset,” Smith said. “When I tore my ACL, I thought it was all over with. I thought my basketball career was gone.”

McKnight said her star player rehabbed at least three times a week and even some Saturdays to come back to become the player she is today.

“She means a lot to our program, especially coming back the way she did,” McKnight said. “She could have folded, but she didn’t and was determined to come back and be on top … she went out on top.”

Smith’s hard work culminated with an invitation to partake in the prestigious Mississippi-Alabama All-Star game, where she scored three points, grabbed six rebounds and recorded a block in helping Mississippi beat Alabama 78-77 Friday night.

Smith, however, was quick to note she couldn’t have accomplished the feats she’s achieved without the help of her Lady Tiger teammates.

“I’m going to remember having good teammates,” Smith said. “They pushed me hard, and they worked hard right along side me. They made me the player that I am today.”

Smith is undecided on her college destination, but said she expects to make a decision in the near future. Smith said she is deciding between a number of schools, including Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Alcorn State, Jackson State and others.

“I have a lot of colleges that are recruiting me,” Smith said. “I have to go on some college visits, and then I’ll make a decision.”