Prospect Watch: Broc Smith (2019)
Class of 2019 guard Broc Smith of Republic spent the first two years of his varsity career as a dangerous spot up 3-point shooter on a team full of seasoned veterans.
The 6’3″ Smith is now a seasoned veteran himself as a junior and his game has grown along with his experience level. Smith can still knock down 3-pointers, but he does so much more to help his team from passing, rebounding, playing solid defense, driving to the basket and becoming an all-around leader on the court. Smith’s all-around play has earned him some early interest from some Division II schools.
“I knew that this year, I would have to be the leader and so far I think I’ve proved that I am better than some people may have thought,” he said. “It’s very important because it has made me unpredictable and harder to guard because I have been able to do anything. I have improved on being a dual threat and not only being able to shoot, but being able to get my teammates shots and to get my own buckets at the rim.”
For the season, Smith is averaging close to 20 points and eight rebounds while shooting better than 50 percent from the field. He missed three games during the last two weeks with an ankle injury, but he returned to action over the weekend to lead his 12-4 team.
Smith has already enjoyed some big games this season for the Tigers, including leading them to the championship game of the Gold Division of the Blue and Gold Tournament. He had 16 points and 13 rebounds in an upset of top-seeded Ozark in the semifinals. He scored 31 points in a big road victory at Parkview.
“Our goal is to win a championship and we came close in the Blue & Gold Tournament,” Smith said. “Now, the only thing left is districts and we want that.”