Helping Saint Louis in its “return to glory” in football and basketball, Scott Smith stood tall in both sports.

At 6 feet 7 and 245 pounds, Scott was a menace for opponents at defensive end and helped the Crusaders win their first ILH football championship and gain their first state title game appearance since 2003.

He was named ILH Defensive Player of the Year and was selected to The Advertiser’s All-State first team last season. He later accepted a full scholarship offer to play football at the University of California after an intense recruiting battle.

In basketball, Scott helped Saint Louis to two straight state tournament berths after another two-year absence and was the league’s Co-Player of the Year this past season. He also was named to The Advertiser’s All-State first team.

In both sports, Scott helped the Crusaders to a No. 1-ranking in the state at one point, something that had not happened in several years.

In between games, he participated in several community and school service projects and kept teammates and coaches smiling with his playful sense of humor.