"Built for the Bright Lights"

Kenton Smith.

@d1_kenton23

iG: @d1_kenton

6’3, 180lbs , Class of 2027

Huntingdon HS, TN

Electric at all three levels and fearless with the ball in his hands, Kenton brings a relentless scoring punch combined with fierce handles that keep defenders off balance. He can pull up on a dime, has a quick trigger, and explodes downhill when lanes open, all while playing with a pace that forces defenses into scramble mode. His court vision shows up just as much as the scoring, spotting cutters and shooters in rhythm, and delivering dazzling dimes that flip momentum. On the other end, he jumps passing lanes with intent, uses his speed to turn defense into offense, and attacks the boards with purpose, making his presence felt on every possession.

This season, he is averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 4.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 50% from the field, 35% from three, and 80% at the line. The biggest improvement has been his scoring package and overall IQ, mixed with a noticeable rise in defensive intensity that has turned him into a true two-way problem night after night.

Kenton’s focus stays locked on doing his part and embracing his role as his team pushes toward the Glass House with the goal of bringing home the school’s first title. Everything funnels into the now, the preparation, the details, and the collective push with his teammates rather than looking ahead to what comes next.

Kenton thrives when the gym is rocking, when the crowd is loud, emotions are high, and both benches are fully invested. That energy fuels his motor and sharpens his edge, especially when his teammates are all in and locked into the moment together.

When facing adversity, Kenton slows it down internally by breathing, centering himself, and communicating with his teammates to steady the team and reset the flow. That calm presence mixed with competitive fire shows up in the biggest moments.

On the recruiting front, he currently holds one offer from Johnson University with interest from UT Martin, Pellissippi State, Bethel University, and Lincoln Memorial University.

I assess that Kenton’s combination of three-level scoring, playmaking vision, rebounding presence, and disruptive defense gives a college program a guard who can impact winning in multiple ways. His ability to control tempo, pressure the ball, and punish mismatches makes him a valuable piece for teams looking to play fast, share the ball, and apply defensive heat.

Moving forward, expect continued growth as a leader who embraces big moments and elevates those around him. With his competitive edge, expanding IQ, and commitment to defense, Kenton is poised to be a guard capable of stepping into higher levels of competition and earn trust quickly, handle responsibility, and impact games on both ends of the floor. Stat tuned as his ceiling is sky-high and his best basketball is still ahead.