One of the top stock-risers from The Expo that we wrote about, here is what we had to say about this talented playmaker…

This 6’1″ athletic guard caught our attention a few times over the summer with a very good Marlin Academy (P32) 16u team, but Sunday at Prep Hoops Indiana: The Expo was as good as we have seen him play in person. Smith was excellent off of the dribble consistently getting to mid-range pull-up jumpers and creating open looks for his teammates. He was effective out beyond the arc as a three-point shot-maker as well. His quickness with the ball in his hands makes him a tough cover on the perimeter for opposing defenders. Look for him to have a big junior season at Crawfordsville High School.

This 6’1″ athletic guard caught our attention a few times over the summer with a very good Marlin Academy (P32) 16u team, but Sunday at Prep Hoops Indiana: The Expo was as good as we have seen him play in person. Smith was excellent off of the dribble consistently getting to mid-range pull-up jumpers and creating open looks for his teammates. He was effective out beyond the arc as a three-point shot-maker as well. His quickness with the ball in his hands makes him a tough cover on the perimeter for opposing defenders. Look for him to have a big junior season at Crawfordsville High School.

Smith is an excellent attacker off of the bounce. He has the strength to play through contact, the speed to get downhill to the rim, and the skill to score it in a variety of different ways. The 6’1″ guard was also very active and disruptive on the defensive end of the floor. He went on to finish with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals in the Indiana All-Star Classic.

Johnovan Smith made his impact felt on the defensive end for Marlin Academy. He consistently took on the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s best player and did it with energy and physicality. Offensively, he attacked the basket as a slasher and finished well around the rim. His two-way effort and athleticism stood out throughout the weekend.

Marlin Academy P32 16u made some waves over the weekend at The Stage by upsetting Indiana Elite 3SSB 16u on Saturday and then taking Midwest Basketball Club 3SSB down to the wire on Sunday. A couple of other guards might have gotten the headlines and led in the scoring department, but Smith was an excellent, steady presence throughout the weekend. His explosiveness off of the dribble and ability to finish at the rim was a big part of their success.

-4 points

-He hoops with Marlin Academy

-The best athlete on his team

-Fast, quick, noteworthy athlete

-On-ball steal, frustrating defender

-Excellent transition score

-Sprinter speed

-Sprinted back on D, poke-out steal, dove on the floor, made the pass to a teammate all in one motion

-Very real potential