While Smith’s team came up short in the top individual battle of the day, it wasn’t for any lack of effort from the star wing. Smith had a stretch where he had back-to-back dunks off steals and was dominating in transition with his defensive ability and open court athleticism. Northridge also ran some nice actions to allow Smith to catch the ball on the ball by setting off-ball screens to free him up. These actions are where Smith is at his best because he’s extremely tough to stop when he catches the ball within five feet of the rim. Expect Division I schools to be lining up to see Smith during Midwest Live in Sandusky.

You can always count on a high level of production from Smith. The 6’5″ wing simply bullies opponents physically both on the perimeter and in the paint. Smith has the ability to drive it through the defense and make people bounce off of him on the way to score. He was excellent for All Ohio Red 16u at the Bill Hensley Memorial Run N Slam.

It always means a little more when a player plays against his old program and Smith dominated against Midwest Basketball Club 3SSB to win a marquee game of the weekend. Smith started the game with eight points off steals and knocked down two first half 3-pointers, a key swing skill for his development. One of the most dominant athletes in the midwest from the class of 2028, Smith is a special defender and transition player. If the half-court offense ever becomes consistent, Smith will be one of the most talked about players in the region for his class.

A dominant first quarter by Smith, he came out the gates with two early 3-pointers and a pair of blocks in the first quarter to help Northridge hold a 14-13 lead at the end of one, their last lead of the game. Smith continued to impact the game as a shot blocker and rebounder but didn’t get the scoring help from his teammates to allow Northridge to keep it close enough to make a third consecutive second half comeback at the Cintas Center.

In a highly competitive small school battle, Smith and Dayton Northridge survived a thrilling contest over Margaretta to continue their terrific season. One of the elite defenders in the 2028 class, Smith has active hands and flies around the court. A monster athlete in transition, Smith threw down a breakaway dunk that got the strong local crowd going crazy. Smith also was unable to be stopped at the point of attack, drawing 15 free throw attempts. Smith has to make improvements as a perimeter shooter, going 7/15 from the charity stripe and 0/4 from 3-point range with multiple airballs. The fact he’s so productive despite the shooting struggles is remarkable, but Smith will need to start making outside shots by the time EYBL 16 U play comes around.

One of the most impressive Class of 2028 prospects nationally, especially in terms of raw physical tools, Smith helped lift Northridge to a 58-55 win over Margaretta. The 6’5″ wing finished with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds. Smith is relentless on the offensive glass, tough to stop off of the bounce, and athletic at the rim as a finisher.

After winning 3SSB 15 U MVP for leading Midwest Basketball Club 3SSB to the title, Smith is hoping for the same success with Dayton Northridge, a team on the rise. Already holding a couple of Division I offers and is nationally ranked on 247 and Rivals, Smith is one of the top names to know in Ohio. While Sophomores rarely win Mr Basketball, Smith will certainly be a name people bring up this season and could be a favorite to win the award as an upperclassmen.

Our second ranked player in the state, Smith was dominant for Midwest Basketball Club 3SSB this summer helping his team win the Palmetto Road Championship and going unbeaten on the circuit all season. Smith makes an incredible two-way impact with his defensive ability and can punch it on a defenders head in transition off steals. I was also really impressed with Smith’s passing ability, making some sweet skip passes and not forcing the issue when he’s attacking downhill. One of the most talented athletes in Ohio, Smith is a prospect who will be well-known regionally sooner rather than later.

One of the most talented 2028 prospects in Ohio, Smith had a big two-way impact on Wednesday in a tight victory. Smith had 9 points and 3 defensive stocks with two loud blocks and a steal that turned into a slam dunk on the fast break that got the crowd going crazy. Smith also had some impressive passing flashes with a sweet skip pass to the corner when he drove baseline really catching my eye. Smith will debut very high in our 2028 rankings when they are updated at the end of the month.

On Saturday evening I watched this physical 6’5″ left-handed win pour in 35 points for NOVA Village – English in a game against Team Step. Smith finished above the on multiple drives to the basket, created his own shot from the perimeter, and used his size to score through contact. Then, after the game, I was informed that he was just a freshman in high school playing up at the 17u level. That made his performance even more impressive.