Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in
high school basketball. America's source for high school sports continues
the tradition to close out the 2020-21 season by naming the top player in
each state. Selections are based on team success and individual
excellence, in addition to local and state accolades.
Nick Smith of
Sylvan Hills (Sherwood) is the 2020-21 MaxPreps Arkansas High School Basketball Player of the
Year. The 6-foot-4, 170-pound junior helped the Bears go 25-4 en route
to the Class 5A state semifinals.
Smith averaged 25 points, five rebounds and three assists per game while shooting 60 percent from the field.
The talented combo guard pumped in a season-high 44 points in an 82-72 victory over Jacksonville on Feb. 2 and earned all-state honors for the third consecutive season.
Smith is regarded as the No. 29 prospect in the Class of 2022 according to 247Sports. He holds 18 college offers including Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Florida, Georgetown, Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina among others.
Each
state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in
the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released April
13.
