Tyler Smith dunks against Cloverdale in Northeastern’s 94-74 win during the Class 2A regional on March 12, 2016. Photo by Ryan Tincher.
LEBANON, Ind. – Northeastern’s Tyler Smith played with Indiana across his chest on Thursday as he helped the Junior All-Stars defeat the Indiana All-Stars 103-90.
“It felt great to be wearing an Indiana jersey and to know that I am considered to be one of the top players in the state,” Smith said.
Smith scored 15 points had six assists and a pair of rebounds with a steal in the contest at Lebanon High School.
“I thought Tyler played with great composure in leading his team,” Northeastern Head Coach Brent Ross said. “He made great decisions all night.”
With five players in double figures in the exhibition affair, the Juniors built a 47-35 lead by halftime and they were able maintain that edge the rest of the way.
“I feel like I really held my own out there,” said Smith, who hit three 3-pointers. “I just wanted to play my game and have fun.”
Paul Scruggs of Southport topped the Juniors with 17 points. C.J. Walker of Indianapolis Tech led the All-Stars with 18 points.
Indiana Mr. Basketball Kyle Guy of Lawrence Central finished with 17 points.
Tyler Smith
One More Between Friends
The game also was the last time that Smith and Seton’s Desmond Bane would match up as high school players.
Bane, who is headed to Texas Christian University this fall, is a member of the Indiana All-Star squad that will be playing against the Kentucky All-Stars on Saturday at Bankers Life in Indianapolis.
“It was great to play against one of my really good friends one last time,” Smith said. “I just want to wish him the best of luck at the next level. I’ll be here cheering him on.”
The Tri-Eastern Conference Player of the Year, Smith averaged 20.8 points per game for the Knights as they finished last season at 23-5. He set the single-season scoring record of 581 points as he led the Knights to the Wayne County Tournament and TEC titles along with a Class 2A sectional crown.
Smith heads into his senior season in second place on Northeastern’s all-time scoring list with 1,258 points. Cory Ryan (1995-1999) is at the top of Northeastern’s scoring list with 1,445 points.