Justin Smith
F, Stevenson, Sr.
College: Indiana
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Star quality: The 6-foot-7 Smith averaged 21.7 points and 10 rebounds for a Patriots team that went 22-6 overall and won the North Suburban Conference by going 12-2 in league play. A high flier who can finish at the basket, Smith had 16 double-doubles (points and rebounds) this season. His top performances included a 30-point, 13-rebound effort in a win over Zion-Benton on Dec. 3 and a 25-point, 15-rebound performance in a win over Crete-Monee at the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic on Dec. 28. Smith was an Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class 3A/4A all-state first-team selection and an Associated Press Class 4A second-team all-state choice. Smith, a Buffalo Grove resident, significantly expanded his game and leadership skills throughout his career, according to Stevenson assistant Paul Swan. Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose said: “Justin is a top-notch player who has incredible ability. I see him soaring to higher heights in college.”
Fun fact: Smith loves listening to music — “Anything besides country,” he said via text — and does so throughout the school day. If he didn’t play basketball, Smith said he would pursue music in some way.
Favorite NBA player: Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors: “Because of how smooth he is and how efficient he is while he plays,” Smith said via text.
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press