Caiden Smith Caiden Smith 6'7" | PF Nicholas County | 2026 State KY capped off a four-game week with scoring outputs of 10, 22, 20 and 9 points while posting rebounding totals of 12, 11, 11 and 13. Over that stretch, he shot 57 percent from the field. Smith consistently used his length to his advantage on both ends, attacking the glass with purpose. He showed comfort handling the ball, particularly in transition, and was effective on the offensive boards by going straight back up without bringing the ball down, keeping it protected from defenders.

Caiden Smith Caiden Smith 6'7" | PF Nicholas County | 2026 State KY finished fourth in the state last season in rebounding at 12.8 per game. He’s a reliable double-double threat, also averaging 11.2 points a year ago. His size, length and vertical allow him to consistently win battles on the glass against opposing frontcourt players. He plays on one of the best rebounding teams in the state, and one of his teammates appears on this list as well. Smith provides a strong presence around the rim and attacks with force.

Caiden brings a strong inside-out presence, averaging a double-double last season with 11.2 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. At 6’7” with a 7’0” wingspan, he controls the glass and makes scoring around the basket difficult for opponents, yet he also stretches the floor with his shooting ability. He has shown touch from deep, consistently knocking down open looks. His length, timing, and knack for tracking the ball make him one of the top rebounders in Kentucky, and his Honorable Mention selection in the 10th Region last season only reinforces his impact on both ends of the court.

A player who really impressed me this summer, Smith rises from 205th to 49th in this round of rankings. One of Kentucky’s top rebounders last season, Caiden has a nose for the ball and has shown a good offensive game, all the way around. I’ve seen the big man hit multiple open threes in games in addition to his skills around the rim. If I were a small school looking for an impactful big man, I’d make the trip to Nicholas County to see Caiden Smith Caiden Smith 6'7" | PF Nicholas County | 2026 State KY .

Smith was a complete unknown to me until seeing him this summer. A legit 6’7 who nailed multiple corner 3s in the game I saw, Caiden was one of the top rebounders in Kentucky last season. He averaged nearly 13 rebounds per contest as a Junior. Nicholas County gets overlooked but I think they have two scholarship level players in Caiden Smith Caiden Smith 6'7" | PF Nicholas County | 2026 State KY and Braxton Martin Braxton Martin 6'6" | SF Nicholas County | 2026 State KY . Look for Smith to move way up the rankings in the next update.