In what was a successful weekend for Team United EYBL 16u going 3-1 on the weekend in Memphis, Chase Smith Chase Smith 6'8" | C Queen's Grant | 2028 State NC really upped his production from session one, including a monster 34 point performance in a win new New York Lightning. On the weekend, he averaged 16.5 Points, 6.3 Rebounds, 1.3 Assists, 1.0 Steals, and 1.8 Blocks per game on 66/43/88 shooting splits. Smith’s ability to operate as a mismatch in this front-court alongside the other talented pieces on this team. He can hit outside shots, act as a bully in the low post, and work in the two man game with any of the talented guards on this roster. He’s a presence on the glass and is showing improved mobility on the perimeter defensively. Smith continues to shine and is making his case as a riser in this stacked 2028 class.

The No. 2 ranked center in the 2028 class checks in at No. 55 in the latest SCNext Rankings; won a state championship at Queen’s Grant while averaging 16.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 2.3 apg as a sophomore; dynamic forward who can operate inside and out; a terror to defend against in the 2028 class; suiting up with Team United again this summer

Smith did a really good job for Team United 16u this weekend in Rock Hill by imposing his will with his strength and putting himself in the right spot amongst these other talented players. Smith does an incredible job of making himself available in the half-court where he uses his blend of strength and touch to produce at a high level. Smith is comfortable operating from multiple levels on the offensive end as he has the outside touch to keep a defense honest. He’s also showing more explosion vertically when under the rim on the offensive end. Smith is a proven winner and showing he can be super impactful while not always being the primary source of offense for a team.

Smith is a very gifted prospect with a skillset and frame that will quickly grab the attention of division one coaches when they see him this spring/summer. He’ll be playing with Team United 16u on the Nike EYBL where he’ll be surrounded by a bevy of other talented players. Smith provides a blend of bruising ability with outside touch and a very balanced approach to the game. Smith helped lead Queens Grant to a NCHSAA 2A State Championship this season as a Sophomore where he averaged 16.1 Points, 8.1 Rebounds, 2.3 Assists, 1.5 Steals, and 1.1 Blocks per game on 69/27/62 shooting splits. If that production is able to translate to the 16u EYBL level he’ll start to get more national attention and notoriety quickly. His ability to impose his will on the inside + show the flashes of perimeter skill will make him a very sought after prospect moving forward.

Smith dominated the paint in the 2A title game, finishing with 27 points on 13-of-16 shooting and 13 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. The sophomore consistently established deep position and converted around the rim, giving Queen’s Grant a reliable interior option all night.

Smith is a classic case of being a high quality producer while still showing flashes of potential at an early age, making him one of the best prospects in NC regardless of class. Queen’s Grant is 20-3 this season under Coach Joe Badgett and Smith is a monster reason behind this success. As a sophomore this season, Smith is averaging 16.5 Points, 7.8 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, and 0.9 Blocks per game. He’s doing all of that on 68/28/78 splits as well. Smith can stretch the floor and I fully expect the efficiency from beyond the arc to catch up to the rest percentages over the next couple of years. He’s got great touch everywhere and is clearly a worker, no reason to believe that won’t continue to develop. He’s got great size and a great frame to go with an outstanding foundational skillset to work with. Smith will continue to produce, win, and eventually see a real uptick in his recruitment and status nationally.

Demonstrated a high level of activity on the court. Ran the floor effectively, utilizing his length to rebound and block shots efficiently. Showed confidence when facing up and consistently converted 15-foot jumpers when opportunities arose, complementing his established scoring ability in the paint.

A big man who’s shown promise with his mobility and versatility; he’s a prospect who can operate around the rim as well as knock down shots on the perimeter; another force to be reckoned with in the Team United front this EYBL season; dominant paint presence with upside as a stretch-forward prospect

Smith got familiar with hanging on the rim Tuesday morning with a handful of powerful slam dunks sitting in the dunker spot and getting fed by his teammates. A strong paint presence, Smith can’t be moved in the paint and has the explosive athleticism to play above the rim. Smith also flashed some perimeter shooting with a corner 3-pointer.

A huge presence in his freshman year at Queen’s Grant as they made the NCHSAA 1A Regional Finals; led the way with 12.9 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.0 spg and 1.6 bpg in his freshman debut on varsity; sizeable name to know given his length and activity on the hardwood; suiting up with Team United on the EYBL scene