ENOCH CUMBERLAND BOUND

Shea Haile Carthage Courier

CARTHAGE — The Smith Couunty High School Lady Owls basketball program, who is coming off a 22-12 campaign and the program’s first state tounament appearance since 1973, saw one of their senior leaders earn the opportunity to pursue a collegiate career.

Airyn Enoch has signed with Lebanon’s Cumberland University Phoenix Women’s Basketball team.

Enoch has played an instrumental role in the historic two year run from the Lady Owls. 

The Black-and-Gold made their first state tournament appearance in 51 years during the 2023-2024 season. The program’s 2022-2023 campaign netted their first Class 2A substate / sectional appearance since 1978. 

“Being able to partake in the historic last two seasons we had, means the absolute world to me,” said Enoch about the Lady Owls recent success.  “I believe we changed the mindset of every young player looking up to us — on what to look forward to. We made girls basketball something to talk about and watch in Smith County. That’s the ultimate goal regardless of where we ended up or the numbers in the wins and losses columns. Smith County basketball will forever have my heart because it has made me a better player and person and without it there’s no chance I would be writing this today.”

Lady Owls head coach Matt Ferrell has guided the Lady Owls through one of their most successful stretches in recent memory. 

Ferrell described Enoch’s role in the program’s success and how the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennesseee All-Star’s contributions went beyond the numbers.

“Airyn averaged 12 points per game and  5.5 rebounds per game, along with twenty something charges taken this year for our team,” said Ferrell. “But that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what she meant to our team and our culture the last couple of years. Airyn is a winner. She led by example and led us in the locker room so many times over the past couple years and I really think that is what she will continue at Cumberland — leadership skills and the mindset of being a winner at everything she does. We are so proud of her and can’t wait to see her live out her dream of playing college basketball.”

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