Program MVP: Malachi Smith
Who was the MVP of each grassroots team program this past spring and summer? This might not necessarily be the best player although in many cases it is. We are looking at the player from Illinois that elevated their game and stepped up when it mattered most taking both themselves and their teams to the next level.
The Jets-Ramey United program was headlined by a pair of Missouri prospects in Courtney Ramey and Torrence Watson for their Adidas team. Those two were without question the star players in the program. For this award as you know it has to be a prospect from the state of Illinois. With that it came down to a trio of guards on the Jets-Ramey United NY2LA squad. It was a very close call as each had their moments. We decided to give the program MVP award to Belleville West 2018 shooting guard Malachi Smith. He is a strong bodied wing that can play both physical and has skill on the perimeter. Smith has the ability to take over games with his attacking downhill style which was the more dominant aspect of his game on the circuit this spring and summer. He is powerful finishing through contact and getting to the rim. Smith was a bit streaky shooting the ball at times, but we firmly believe after evaluating him for three years that he will be an adequate perimeter shooter at the next level. Also has improved his passing skills over the summer.
Congratulations to Belleville West 2018 shooting guard Malachi Smith on winning the PrepHoopsIllinois Program MVP for Jets-Ramey United.