Raleigh woman to live her hoop dreams after Cash 5 jackpot win

Wednesday, July 30, 2025
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Raleigh woman says she can make her hoops dreams come true after winning a Cash 5 jackpot.

Fontella Smith won $321,419 in Wednesday's drawing, and she is making plans to see LeBron James, her favorite basketball player, play in Los Angeles.

"It's something I always dreamed of," said Smith.

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She bought her lucky ticket at Refuel 174 on Knightdale Boulevard in Knightdale.

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Smith claimed her prize at lottery headquarters Friday and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $230,620.



The odds of winning the jackpot were 1 in 962,598.

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She said she will fly to Los Angeles to watch James and the Lakers play this season.



"I am so excited," Smith said.
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