Republic wing Broc Smith is gearing up for a big junior season after a strong summer with the Springfield Hawks.

At 6’3, Smith is long and rangy and plays bigger than his listed height. He has a smooth 3-point shooting stroke, but can drive to the basket or post up smaller plaeyrs.

A year ago he was one of the few underclassmen to earn a varsity role on a senior-dominated Republic team. But this year, with nearly its entire varsity having been gutted by graduation, Smith will be counted on for production and leadership.

He says he spent the offseason working on his all-around game while playing for the Hawks.

“I grew in getting to the basket and finishing through contact way better and also have developed my shot more and more as the years go on,” he said. “I expected to turn some heads and let people know who I am by being a team player and winning as many tournaments as we could.”

Smith says he is looking forward to playing against fellow 2019 wing player Tyem Freeman and Hillcrest. Freeman is widely considered among the top returning players in southwest Missouri.

“If we get to play him because he’s one of my good friends and we love challenging each other on the basketball floor,” Smith said.

Smith says his parents have had the biggest impact on his basketball career to date.

“for sure because they always push me to become a greater player and person while showing me life lessons through the sports,” he said.

A college basketball fan, Smith enjoys watching players execute the fundamentals and the college atmosphere.

“I can break down the game and see what moves these college athletes use to implement that into my game,” he said.

Smith does not yet hold any college offers, but has drawn interest from a handful of schools.