North Little Rock's Nick Smith (14) lays in a shot during the fourth quarter of North Little Rock's 60-38 win in the Class 6A boys basketball state championship game on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas freshman Nick Smith was named the national high school boys basketball player of the year on Monday by USA Today.
Smith averaged 26.5 points, 8 rebounds and 7.3 assists as a senior at North Little Rock High School. He helped lead the Charging Wildcats to a Class 6A state championship and scored 25 points against Bentonville in the title game.