FORT MYERS, FL: According to MaxPreps, Jordan Smith High School Basketball standout capped his City of Palms Classic MVP performance by scoring 31 points to lead No. 2 Paul VI past Archbishop Stepinac 57-53 for the championship on Tuesday night.
Tournament MVP Performance Showcases Elite Scoring
The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 33.8 points per game over four outings in Fort Myers, establishing himself as a legitimate national player of the year candidate. Smith opened his tournament run with 40 points in the opener, then delivered 34 points against Principia in the semifinals before his 31-point championship game effort.
Against Stepinac, Smith scored 17 points in the first half to help Paul VI build an early advantage. However, the Crusaders fought back behind four-star seniors Darius Ratliff (USC commit) and Jasiah Jervis (Michigan State commit), outscoring the Panthers 20-12 in the third quarter to tie the game at 42 entering the final frame.
Championship Game Drama and Clutch Plays
The title game remained tightly contested throughout the fourth quarter, with Fordham pledge Hassan Koureissi giving Stepinac its first lead with 3:50 remaining. Meanwhile, Smith continued making crucial plays when Paul VI needed them most.
With the score tied at 51 and 1:41 left on the clock, Smith drove to the basket, drew a foul, and converted the free throw for a 52-51 lead. Then, with 36 seconds remaining, he demonstrated his court vision by dishing to senior Lawrence Brown in the corner for a three-pointer that extended Paul VI’s lead to 55-51.
Additionally, the victory marked a statement win for the Panthers, who knocked off teams from Ohio, Florida, Missouri and New York en route to the championship. Therefore, Smith’s dominant tournament performance positions him as one of the premier uncommitted prospects in the Class of 2026.
National Implications for Top 2026 Prospect
As the No. 2-rated player in the Class of 2026, Smith’s City of Palms Classic showcase reinforced his status among elite national recruits. The well-built guard’s ability to score early and often, combined with his clutch play in pressure moments, demonstrates the complete skill set that has college programs nationwide pursuing his services.
This championship performance by Jordan Smith High School Basketball’s top scorer solidifies Paul VI’s position among the nation’s elite programs while enhancing his own national player of the year credentials. For full coverage of national recruiting updates and elite prospect movement, visit Prospect-Radar.com.
