Yesterday, the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association announced their annual All-District Teams. The 36 total teams across 12 districts, meaning 180 players were recognized for their notable production and efforts throughout the high school season. Naturally, it’s almost an impossible task to try and get everything “correct” in a process with so many different variables. If the NCBCA were to place 179 out of 180 players accurately, there would be discussion surrounding the one player in question. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what this article is aiming to do. While this is a thankless task that generally results in more backlash than appreciation for the NCBCA, it’s extremely difficult to understand how Jaleel Smith was awarded Second Team All-District. Although the guys who made it were deserving, let’s make a case for why Smith should’ve been included in the top grouping.
Let’s start here: Smith’s team made a deeper run than the five teams with First Team All-District players. Huss legitimately defied the odds to make a push to the final four (something arguably no one was predicting before or even during the season) while Smith quite clearly shined as their best player. He averaged 22.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, and 4.1 SPG with 51/30/71 splits. Only LJ Smith scored more, and he broke a 23-year record. Smith also had the most steals by a pretty healthy margin. Collectively, the others led in average rebounds, assists, and blocks.
Listen, it’s easy to snub Smith because he’s a freshman. Otherwise, it would be much more difficult to justify. For anyone who opposes the individual stats with the “it’s a team sport” ideal. You are correct, and Smith’s team finished ahead of the other five being discussed. Ultimately, this is just a thought exercise surrounding the criteria we apply for these awards. It’s disappointing that Smith didn’t earn honors he qualified for after having one of the top freshman seasons in recent memory.