About LJ
Expert Analysis
Eric Wallace | Prep Hoops Scout
One of the top guards in the country, Smith led Oak Hill in scoring in the EYBL Scholastic at nearly 17 points per game. The Ohio State commit is a dynamic three-level scorer who can create his own offense off the dribble and consistently put pressure on opposing defenses. He is difficult to keep in front, uses his above-average athleticism effectively, and plays with confidence and pace. Smith’s skill set and scoring versatility should translate seamlessly to the college level.
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Read EvaluationColby Giacubeno | Prep Hoops Scout
Smith is smooth operator when it comes to scoring and this Oak Hill requires him to put up a big number in that category to win games. He has one of the quicker releases off the catch from three that would make the high-level defenders look late on closeouts. While there are times where he can depend on his long-range shooting, Smith poses the threat of putting it on the deck as well and exposing driving lanes for quick pulls off the bounce as well. Oak Hill took on the buzzsaw that is Paul VI and would go on to lose the game by double-figures, but it was Smith’s 16-point performance that stood out for the Nike EYBL Scholastic program.
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Read EvaluationMichael Roth | Prep Hoops Scout
Smith impacted the game in a variety of ways off the bench playing up an age group as Team Thad rolled to a win to open up pool play. A knockdown shooter off the catch, Smith made shots off kickouts and was efficient when his feet were set. Maybe my favorite bucket from Smith was off a BLOB where he cut to the rim and got an open layup. Late in the shot clock Smith got the ball and made a quick crossover to get to the paint and score. Efficiency was key for Smith as well, finishing 7/9 from the floor.
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Read EvaluationJay Anderson | Prep Hoops Scout
A prospect well on his way to becoming a national level name; broke the single-season scoring record as a sophomore (960 total points) while averaging 33.1 ppg on 32 percent shooting from 3-point land; one to watch with Team Thad on the EYBL stage
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Read EvaluationJay Anderson | Prep Hoops Scout
An emerging top prospect already in the 2027 class, the future is bright for
LJ Smith IV
LJ
Smith IV
6'5" | CG
Oak Hill Academy | 2027
State
#28
Nation
VA
at Lincolnton High. He’s the District 10 Player of the Year after setting a new season mark in points scored with 986 points in 2024-25. He’s an athletic and crafty guard to get to know given his prowess leading the Wolves to victory. He averaged 33.1 points per game.
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Read EvaluationCameron Rivers | Prep Hoops Scout
Smith’s offensive game is incredibly well-rounded. His smooth jumper and deep three-point range make him a constant scoring threat, and his ability to create shots with moves like the stepback makes him difficult to defend. Smith’s handles are exceptional, allowing him to break down defenders and attack the rim or pull up for a jumper. Defensively, he averages 2.6 steals per game, showing a knack for disrupting passing lanes. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him a difficult matchup, and he’s quickly becoming a major recruiting target.
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Read EvaluationJay Anderson | Prep Hoops Scout
Smith continues to be a spark in the Lincolnton High backcourt, averaging 35.4 points and 62 made 3-pointers in his spohomore year. He ranks ninth nationally and No. 1 in NC, according to MaxPreps, in scoring as the Wolves are 5-1 in the Catawba Valley Conference and 11-4 on the year. He’s got them on a 3-game winning streak and has put up 30+ points in 11 seperate outings. He’s a prospect who’s soon to garner national attention as the grassroots season approaches.
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Read EvaluationJay Anderson | Prep Hoops Scout
Smith remains steady at No. 3 in the latest rankings update as he continues to show off his ability to operate at the shooting guard role in an umber of ways. He not only can shoot the basketball, he’s proven he can make things happen in the open court as well as the half court within the flow of the offense. West Virginia is the latest program to offer him for his services as his career rolls along.
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Read EvaluationJay Anderson | Prep Hoops Scout
Smith is coming off a high school season which saw him turn around a Lincolnton High squad that went 9-17 in 2022-23 into a 2A NCHSAA Playoff contender with a 20-8 record. He’s a lights out sharpshooter who can fill it up in a hurry after producing 32.2 PPG as a freshman on varsity. He’ll be a name to keep a close eye on on the EYBL stage this weekend as he suits up with Team CP3 .
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Read EvaluationJay Anderson | Prep Hoops Scout
Smith IV was one of the top scorers in the state of North Carolina, according to MaxPreps, in his varsity debut with Lincolnton. He put his squad on the map this season with his play at the shooting guard spot, pouring in 32.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG and 2.4 SPG on 56 percent shooting from the floor and 46 percent shooting from deep. He debuts at No. 3 in the 2027 player rankings in the state given his prowess for scoring the ball in a variety of ways. He’ll be one to watch with Team CP3 on the EYBL stage this grassroots cycle.
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