William Carey’s Devin Smith was rewarded for what has been a solid 2016 season.

The 2015 Mt. Hermon graduate was named to the Southern States Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team.

Smith is one of nine members to make the squad.

He said it’s an honor.

“I have to thank my coaches to give me an opportunity as a freshman for putting me out there in conference games and having confidence in me,” Smith said. “My defense helped me out when I got into jams. The offense constantly gave me run support and allowed me to pitch with the lead. That takes pressure off the pitcher.”

Smith said pitching with the lead is different than pitching with the game tied or his team trailing.

“It lets you throws ball up there and know that your defense is there working for you,” he said. “You know that if you do give up a run or two, you still have the lead and you know they’ll fight or scratch to give you more runs.”

Smith said the key to his success this year has been preparation and confidence.

“When my teammates and my coaches have confidence in me, it allows me to have confidence in myself,” Smith said.

During the regular season, Smith recorded a 6-1 record with a 3.40 ERA in 47-2/3 innings.

Smith appeared in 10 games while starting eight of them and completing three. He finished with 24 strikeouts and 16 walks.

The Crusaders posted a 35-17 overall record and they were 17-8 in conference play.

William Carey began play in the conference tournament Wednesday as the No. 4 seeded team and played fifth-seeded Mobile. The Crusaders enter this week as the 19th-ranked team in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 poll.

William Carey opened the tournament with a 3-1 loss.