I don’t know if there is anyway to describe Terquavion Smith’s last year, other than “unreal.” Monday was the official cherry on top, as Smith was named Gatorade Player of the Year for North Carolina.
But let’s look at all the insanity that Smith has been a part of recently.
Farmville: The Unstoppable Force
Farmville High School basketball was the perfect mix of great players, great coaching and great chemistry over the last three years. In Smith’s sophomore, junior and senior seasons, Farmville went 76-2 and NEVER lost a conference game. Those three years brought a state championship, co-state championship (thanks COVID) and then another title to wrap up Smith’s career. In the recent championship run, Farmville’s average winning margin was 25 points.
Smith himself was the man. In his senior season, Smith average nearly 26 points a game, while contributing in every single box on the stat sheet. With steals, assists and rebounds (which was one of his biggest improvements over his career), he contributed fully to the Farmville dynasty.
Awards on Awards
Name an award…okay…99% chance Smith got it.
- First-team All-Conference and Player of the Year
- First Team AA All-State
- North Carolina Mr. Basketball
- MaxPreps North Carolina Basketball Player of the Year
- 3X State Champion
- State Tournament/Championship MVP
- Hoop State First Team and State MVP
- Selected to Allen Iverson Roundball Classic
- Gatorade Player of the Year
The Emergence of a Superstar
Want to know something crazy? Smith wasn’t on folks radars a short time ago… After all the accolades and continual highlight reels, that all changed. Smith ended up grabbing a fourth star for recruiting and moved up into ESPN’s 100 and easily making the top-5 for NC players. Speaking of ESPN, he made Sportscenter with his backboard alley-op. Just living the dream.
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again and again; Wolfpack Nation is going to LOVE Terquavion Smith. He is without a doubt the X-factor for this team. Electric, animated, hardworking and that chip on his shoulder attitude with cold blooded killer instincts. Whether off the bench or in a full-time role, he will contribute in more ways than one.
So the best player in NC, multiple championship rings, a spot on Sportscenter and now heading to Raleigh. Smith had a hell of a year.
Credit to KK for spotting him early and building the relationship that resulted in signing him. Can’t wait to see him play.