ISU Media Relations
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POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State women’s basketball program has announced the addition of two new players for the 2021-22 season. Paisley Specht from Folsom HS in Granite Bay, Calif., and Tenleigh Smith from Century HS in Pocatello, Idaho.
Paisley Specht comes to the team after a successful career at Folsom HS. The 5’ 11” Shooting Guard averaged 14 points per game and an impressive career 46% shooting percentage during her time at Folsom. Specht also averaged nine rebounds per game and four assists per game.
Specht’s honors included Defensive Player of the Year honors and being named to the All-Sierra Foothill League Girls Basketball first team.
Off the court, Specht excelled, earning four consecutive Scholar-Athlete awards and was also named an AP Scholar-Athlete. Specht spent time volunteering with the Folsom Rotary Club Partnerships for Tomorrow program. She was also the Vice President of the Black Students Union at Folsom HS.
When asked why she chose Idaho State Specht said, “The coaching staff and team immediately made me feel like family. I wanted to go to a program that wanted to work hard, get better and win and that’s exactly what Idaho State wants to do. The team chemistry is great and I’m excited to be a part of it and contribute to this amazing program.”
“Paisley is a tall and athletic guard that is multi-dimensional. She is also an exceptional student,” said Coach Sobolewski on Specht.
Tenleigh Smith, a local product, joins the Bengals from Century HS here in Pocatello. The 5’ 9” Guard helped the Diamondbacks to the state championship game in 2020 and had two other title-game appearances in her career at Blackfoot High School. Smith ended her high school career with a multitude of awards.
Smith was named the Girl’s Freshmen Athlete of the Year. As a multi-sport athlete at Century and Blackfoot HS, Smith was named first-team all-state in basketball all four years of her career with the diamondbacks and Broncos. Not only was Smith successful on the hardwood but she also excelled on the track. Smith was named a first-team member of the all-Idaho track and field team all four years of her high school career and was a district champion in the 400m and placed 3rd at state in the event.
Off of the court, Smith was strong in the classroom being named a two-time Idaho State Academic Champion.
When asked why she chose Idaho State, Smith said, “[She liked that] It is a successful program with experienced coaching staff and talented players.”
“We’ve known Tenleigh and her family for a long time. It has been fun to watch her grow as a person and basketball player over the last 13 years. She has a great feel for the game and is a skilled competitor,” said Coach Sobolewski on Smith.
