Prospect Spotlight: Jaylon Smith (2019)
On a team filled with 2020 athletes, Jaylon Smith is a steady senior presence for Santa Fe Catholic.
The 2019 forward stands at 6’4″, 210 lbs. Next to junior guards Javon Bell, Joe Stubbs and Ray Davis, Smith is a gritty inside presence who likes to shoot the mid-range.
He called his junior season a learning experience and confidence builder for him.
“It was my 2nd year playing for coach Mike (Blicher) and he was still getting to know me and determine what my strengths and weaknesses were,” Smith told Prep Hoops. “Not to mention that I was not a very talkative person. Throughout the season, my game improved on the defensive end along with my free-throw shots. I became more aggressive in the paint and my presence was felt on the court.”
Smith says he’s excited about showcasing all the hard work that he’s put in over the summer.
“I am shooting from different areas of the court,” he said. “I am also handling the ball more and feel that I am more aggressive on the court.”
This summer, Smith suited up for MCA.
“The coaching staff actually forced me out of my comfort zone. I was forced to handle the ball more and shoot from different areas of the court,” he said. “The coaches told me that I had major potential and those were the areas that I needed to improve my game.”
No offers or interest have come yet for the senior forward.
Smith pointed to his defense, ability to team player and humbleness as his biggest strengths.
“I will continue to develop and grow as a player by receiving feedback and instructions from my coach and mentors,” he said.
A quiet but tough-nosed player, Jaylon Smith likes to put in the work. He’s matured plenty this summer as he alluded and it is showing alongside the trio of junior guards Santa Fe Catholic has in place. A late bloomer, Smith should get a chance to play at the next level this fall whether that comes in Division III or NAIA.
Gritty take here from 2019 Santa Fe Catholic F Jaylon Smith. @Mdblic2424 @SFCHawks pic.twitter.com/Ev46EQHWGf
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) June 17, 2018