Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2024-25 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.
For the season, Smith Jr. averaged 21.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per contest. He shot 66.8 percent from the field and 67.0 percent from the free throw line.
Fred Smith Jr. led Briarcrest Christian to the Division II Class AA state title game. (PHOTO: Wes Hale)
During his three seasons with the program, Smith Jr. has piled up 1,396 points while leading Briarcrest Christian to a record of 88-12. The Saints have made three straight state championship game appearances and won the title in 2024.
Despite losing to Webb (Knoxville) 54-45 in the Class AA Division II state championship game, Smith Jr. piled up game-highs of 17 points and eight rebounds on 8 of 12 from the field.
Regarded as the No. 84 prospect in the Class of 2026 according to
247Sports, Smith Jr. holds offers from LSU, Memphis, Mississippi, Radford, St. Louis, Toledo, VCU and West Virginia.
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 8. Past selections include 2023-24 All-NBA picks Devin Booker (2014), Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019) and Jayson Tatum (2014, 2015, 2016).
Past Tennessee MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Moussa Cisse, Lausanne Collegiate (Memphis)
2020-21 – B.J. Edwards, Knoxville Catholic (Knoxville)
2021-22 – Brandon Miller, Cane Ridge (Nashville)
2022-23 – Jaylen Jones, East Nashville Magnet (Nashville)
2023-24 – Jahvin Carter, Alcoa
