CALVN WHITE
Main Street Clarksville

Kirkwood’s Armani Smith announced his commitment to Austin Peay men’s basketball on June 12. FILE/WILL SHELTON

Kirkwood boys basketball junior Armani Smith has committed to Austin Peay and head coach Corey Gipson. 

Smith is the two-time District 13-4A MVP and All-Montgomery County Player of the Year. In his three years at Kirkwood, he’s helped lead the Cobras to two district championships, one region title and two Class 4A sectional berths. 

He averaged 24 points, 8 rebounds, three assists and three steals per game this past season as Kirkwood finished with a 25-8 record. Smith is the first local commitment for Gipson at Austin Peay. 

“Armani has earned this opportunity through countless hours of work,” Kirkwood head coach John Stigall said. “No one puts more time into improving their game than he does, and I truly believe he has the potential to be a star at Austin Peay. 

“We’re excited that he’s staying close to home and joining a great program. Coach Gipson is an outstanding coach and a perfect fit for Armani’s development. We couldn’t be happier for him and his family. This is a well-deserved next step, and we can’t wait to watch him continue to grow and succeed.” 

Austin Peay secured its first regular-season conference championship since 2008 and its first ASUN title in program history in its third year under Gipson. The Governors finished 22-9 overall and 15-3 in league play. 

Gipson was named as a finalist for the Hugh Durham and Ben Jobe awards. The Hugh Durham Award is presented annually to the top mid-major coach in college basketball, and the Ben Jobe is awarded to the top minority head coach in Division I. 

Austin Peay is 55-44 overall and 33-19 in the ASUN under Gipson. 

Smith enters his senior season with the Cobras with over 1,500 career points and is the first Kirkwood basketball player to commit to a Division I school. 

“(I’m) beyond grateful for God blessing me with this opportunity to play at the next level,” Smith said. Also to the APSU coaching staff for believing in me. (I’m) excited to work and win games. Go Govs!”