Prospect Update: Jaxon Smith (2020)
The Ankeny Hawks are enjoying a bit of a youth-movement right now, and sophomore guard Jaxon Smith is at the helm.
The 5-foot-10 defensive menace was the team’s best scorer during the first part of the season when junior guard Dillon Carlson was unable to play.
Smith ended the regular season as the Hawk’s second leading scorer, averaging 11.7 points per game, and did so on some pretty efficient shooting.
“I feel like my main focus coming into the school year was my one-on-one drives and being able to drive under control. Not just to get myself open but to get my teammates involved, and to just improve my offense all-together,” said Smith.
“Just being able to control the game on offense and defense, and being able to play at different tempos. Also, being able to make some clutch plays down the stretch that can help us win some games.”
He added: “I was happy how I came out when Dillon was gone, and being the guy the team looks for to take on a scoring role and a defensive role. I’ve been in a little bit of a slump lately, but overall it’s been a good season for me, and I’m just looking to build on that next year.”
Jaxon Smith is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 40 prospect in his class. To see the full ranking of Iowa’s 2020 class, click here.
Smith says he’s unsure which grassroots team he’ll play with this spring and summer for his 16U offseason. He’s played with Kingdom Hoops Elite in the past.
“Going into this offseason, I just want to get myself out there more, but I don’t know who I’m going to be playing with yet,” he said.
“As far as goals, obviously that first offer is really on my mind going into this summer. And my goal is to be on a good team that can go far in tournaments, get a lot of exposure, and just get that feeling of accomplishment.”