Smith is a player I would want on my team yesterday. He is such a versatile player on the defensive end and knows his role offensively. His length and athleticism allow him to guard all five positions on the floor. He is an explosive athlete. On the offensive end, he is an effective finisher around the rim because he plays above it. He can be at the dunker spot at the next level. He is a good cutter.

Smith was dominant in the second half. He had a quiet first half just doing the little things. He then came out in the second half with an aggressive and dominant mindset. His ability to post up strong on almost every trip down the floor was impressive it caused problems for Walnut Ridge defensively. He made quick finishing moves towards the rim and drew some fouls. He was on the dunking end of one of the most impressive half-court lobs I have seen at the high school level. Africentric showed multiple ways to beat you, and Smith is one of them.

A dual sport athlete, Smith is one of the best football players in central Ohio as well. When you watch Smith on the hardwood you immediately notice his natural athleticism and fluid movement skills for his height. Still a raw prospect from an offensive perspective, I’m hoping to see more from Smith in terms of a scorer and creator. While I expect Smith to make those steps, his ability to impact the game as a defender, shot blocker and in transition give him immediate production and long-term upside. I’m a big fan of what Smith could become down the road and am excited to watch what he’s capable of achieving the next 15 months as a high school athlete.

Africentric is filled with athletes in the 2026 class and Smith checks a ton of boxes on the hardwood. A football standout as well with two Division I offers at the quarterback position, Smith has the prototypical size, speed and burst you’d want from a wing. Smith caught a lob pass for a layup finish, had a breakaway slam dunk and had a chase down block off the backboard in the first half alone. I need to see more games from Smith to get a better read on what he plays like against other top talent but he’s very intriguing as a basketball player as well. A name to know in central Ohio’s 2026 class.