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Jahvon Smith looks to lead Norland back to Lakeland

By HoopMIA, 09/10/19, 2:45PM EDT

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Jahvon Smith is ready to lead perennial powerhouse Norland back to Lakeland and is the subject of this week’s HoopMia player spotlight. The 6’3 guard is coming off a huge summer playing with SOH Elite and is one of the top players in Dade County. He was one of the few Florida Players that was invited and participated in the inaugural NCAA scouting camps. He participated in the College Basketball Academy session at Grand Canyon University and talked about his experience there. 

 

“The camp was a great experience,” said Smith. “I played against very talented kids and the workshops they had really taught me a lot. I am very blessed to have been apart of that.”

 

    The rising senior really boosted his recruitment this summer with strong showings with Miami Norland, SOH, and his play at the NCAA camp. Smith acquired offers from Southeast Louisiana, Louisiana Tech, Ball State, Easrern Michigan, and Southeast Missouri and interest from several other programs. He talked about his recruiting situation and what he is looking for in a school. 

 

    “I am currently getting recruited by 10 division 1 schools but only 5 of those schools actually offered. What I am looking for in a school is a school that will push me to be the best player I can possibly be and a school that plays some of the toughest teams in the country. I would like to go somewhere I will have an impact immediately.”

 

    Smith had an impressive summer with SOH Elite. He had several 20 point performances and was vital in running the team and making the game easier for his teammates with his ability to distribute. He had a game at On The Radar Elite 32 in which he knocked six threes and gained a lot of interest from college coaches. He recapped his summer when we spoke to him. 

 

    “The travel basketball summer went great for me. I was able to pick up my first college offers and we had a winning travel season.”

 

    Norland had a disappointing ending to its season last year when they lost to Belen Jesuit in regional quarterfinals after capturing yet another district championship. For a school with six state championships since 2006 that is not the ending to a season you have come to expect from Miami Norland. Smith is ready to lead the Vikings back to their usual heights. 

 

    “My goal this season is to win a state championship nothing less. I am very confident in my team at Norland this year. I feel we will be the team to beat this season.”

 

    Smith is strong guard that can play either point guard or shooting guard. He can bully his way to the rim for tough baskets and is great at finding his teammates for easy scores. He showed great development in his perimeter game this summer. All those qualities have earned him all the previously mentioned attention from college programs. Smith talked about what he brings to the table as a prospect. 

“The strengths of my game are attacking the basket and getting my teammates involved. I was able to improve my shot tremendously this past summer.”

 

Look for Smith to continue to draw interest from College programs as players with his blend of size, skill, and toughness are hard to find at the guard position. He is set for a monster senior season and is truly one of the top players in South Florida. It will be compelling to see how far he will be able to lead the Vikings this season and where he decides to play at the next level.