Trent Smalling
Trent Smalling
About Trent
Expert Analysis
Riley Highfill | Prep Hoops Scout
If there is one player whose name keeps coming up every weekend this spring, it is Trenton Smalling. Smalling has been phenomenal for Team Loaded Gold 17U this summer and has quickly become one of the biggest stock risers in Virginia.
The athletic guard has been leading Team Loaded Gold in scoring while producing at an extremely efficient level. Through the spring, he is averaging over 17.5 points per game while shooting above 60% from the field. Defensively, he has been equally impressive, averaging over four steals per game and constantly creating havoc with his activity and intensity.
Smalling was already a key contributor for Woodside last season, but his development over the last several months has been significant. He looks more confident, more assertive offensively, and continues to impact winning in multiple ways.
When you combine his production with the pieces around him, it becomes easy to understand why Woodside enters next season with massive expectations. This is a team loaded with toughness, athleticism, shot-making, and defensive intensity. Every time they step on the floor, they bring a different level of energy and competitiveness.
The Wolverines are going to be very difficult to beat next season.
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Read EvaluationRiley Highfill | Prep Hoops Scout
It may not have been his loudest scoring performance, but Smalling’s impact was undeniable. He finished with 12 points and 4 rebounds while taking on one of the toughest defensive assignments on the floor. Alongside Schrinel, he helped neutralize Makai Ragland, showing physicality, discipline, and effort on every possession. His presence continues to go well beyond the box score.
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Read EvaluationRiley Highfill | Prep Hoops Scout
Smalling has been one of the most productive guards in the area all spring, and it’s no coincidence Team Loaded Gold sits at 12–0. He’s a true three-level scorer who can beat defenders off the bounce, knock down perimeter shots, and finish above the rim with authority. What separates him, though, is his defensive presence. Smalling is constantly disrupting passing lanes, turning defense into offense, and impacting the game without needing the ball. His ability to generate steals and deflections makes him a nightmare matchup and a clear next-level piece.
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Read EvaluationEric Wallace | Prep Hoops Scout
A strong wing with positional size, Smalling is playing this spring with Team Loaded Gold . He moves well without the ball, finds ways to impact the game within the flow of the offense, and consistently produces at the offensive end. He is reliable shot maker and can attack and finish above the rim. Smalling fills the stat sheet with his ability to rebound and defend multiple positions, making him a valuable two-way presence on the floor.
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Read EvaluationRiley Highfill | Prep Hoops Scout
Trenton Smalling delivered one of the most complete performances of the showcase. This occurred in Team Loaded Gold ‘s second game. He finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals in a dominant win.
His efficiency jumped off the page. He went 9-of-11 from the field and 3-of-4 from three. This highlights his ability to take smart shots and capitalize on opportunities. Smalling plays within the flow of the offense but doesn’t hesitate to take over when needed.
Defensively, he was just as impactful. His activity level, anticipation, and instincts led to multiple steals and transition opportunities. Offensively, he excels at getting downhill, attacking gaps, and finishing through contact.
Smalling is the definition of a low-maintenance player. He has a high impact on the game. He does all the little things while still producing at a high level.
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Read EvaluationRiley Highfill | Prep Hoops Scout
Smalling continues to prove he’s one of the top prospects in Virginia. He was highly productive all weekend. He averaged over 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. He impacted both ends at a high level. He excels above the rim in transition. He shoots it confidently from deep. He uses his length and athleticism to disrupt defensively. With a college-ready frame and consistent motor, Smalling looks the part of a scholarship-level guard. One of his key performances was vs. Illinois Flight 3SSB Gold with 17 Points (7-13 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
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Read EvaluationRiley Highfill | Prep Hoops Scout
Trenton Smalling was the most productive scorer on the floor for Team Loaded Gold throughout the weekend. He scored in an extremely efficient manner. Smalling averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds per game. He shot 62% from the field and 63% from three. This performance showed just how dangerous he can be.
What makes him unique is his ability to score without dominating the ball. He thrives within the flow of the offense — cutting, running in transition, and capitalizing on opportunities as they come. Add in his athleticism and ability to play above the rim, and he becomes a tough cover for opposing defenses.
Smalling also impacts the game defensively and on the glass, which makes him even more valuable. His combination of efficiency, athleticism, and motor makes him a clear scholarship-level prospect. He should be firmly on college coaches’ radars heading into the live periods.
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Read EvaluationRiley Highfill | Prep Hoops Scout
Smalling, is a high-IQ player who understands how to play the game the right way. He moves well without the ball, makes smart decisions, and consistently finds ways to be productive. He’s a solid shooter with the ability to space the floor, and he competes defensively. His all-around approach and feel are impressive. He continues to fly under the radar but produces at a high level. Whether it’s playing above the rim or knocking down the open jumpers, he excels. He will be showcasing this weekend with Team Loaded Gold 17u at the Phenom Rise Showcase in Bermuda Run, NC.
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Read EvaluationRiley Highfill | Prep Hoops Scout
Trenton Smalling brings athleticism and aggression every time he steps on the floor.
At 6’3”, he’s a downhill guard who thrives attacking the rim. He finishes above contact and through defenders, putting constant pressure on opposing defenses. His ability to get into the paint consistently makes him difficult to contain, especially in transition.
Smalling was a major impact player for Woodside this past season and showed he can carry scoring responsibility. He’s also a capable shooter, which keeps defenders honest and opens up driving lanes.
This summer, by playing with Team Loaded Gold 17U, he’ll have a big opportunity. He can showcase his all-around scoring ability against strong competition. His blend of athleticism, physicality, and confidence points toward a very solid college trajectory.
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Read EvaluationEric Wallace | Prep Hoops Scout
Another member of Woodside’s strong junior class, Smalling scored 10 points on Saturday and showed his all-around value. He is a reliable perimeter shooter who can knock down open three-point looks and attack off straight-line drives. Smalling rebounds his position well and uses his strength to play through contact. Defensively, he brings versatility with the ability to guard multiple positions.
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