Program MVP: Michael 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 Illinois T-Wolves saw success throughout the season especially at the 17U level. They had a dynamic duo that led their team. The best and most consistent player for them throughout the spring and summer was Joliet West 2018 point guard Michael Smith who wins our award for program MVP. Smith is a point guard that started last season for Joliet West, but was more of a role player with a pair of D1 talents on the floor. This spring and summer he shined with the Illinois T-Wolves going off in several games. He is a leader at the point guard position who is strong with the ball. Plus shooter from the perimeter and that is what he is known for. Can also mix in some runners and layups slashing on occasion using his strong upper body to finish. What you have to like about Smith is he puts his team on his back when the game is on the line. We saw him do just that in St. Louis at the PrepHoops Show Me Showdown where he brought his team all the way back from a huge deficit with a barrage of scoring plays both attacking and shooting it from deep. At one point he literally couldn’t miss from three.
Congratulations to Joliet West 2018 point guard Michael Smith on winning the PrepHoopsIllinois Program MVP for the Illinois T-Wolves.