Maine’s Merrick Smith Commits to American
After Merrick Smith weighed his options and drew interest from the likes of Stonehill & University of Maine, the Kimball Union Academy product elected to bring his talent to American University. The 6’11 big man looks to bring his versatility and his large skillset to the Patriot League. Smith now marks the third Division 1 commitment for the 2026 Kimball Union class, as he will now join Hudson Scroggins (Valparaiso) and Brandon Arnold (Marist).
Smith, who started his high school career at Messalonskee in Maine before making the move to Kimball Union Academy, broke down his decision for me. “I am just a huge fan of the coaching staff…the turnaround and success they have experienced is something that I found to have a lot of pull for me.”
Merrick has had some difficult obstacles along the way, as he suffered a broken elbow early in the AAU season which sidelined him for a chunk of what some would consider a very important summer for a rising senior, but Merrick made the most of it once he returned, as he was praised for his play in the NEPSAC Showcase along with the HGSL.
Tailoring his play after experiencing a broken elbow isn’t the only adjustment he has had to make in the past year and change. Making the adjustment from public to the NEPSAC is not for the weak, and Smith was ready for the challenge as he said, “Knowing that it was difficult made me happy in my decision because I knew it would better prepare me for the next level, and even just over the past year, I feel like a much more experienced and talented player.”
When discussing this change of scenery with Kimball Union Academy coach Cory McClure he issued some reassurance with “when the lights come on, you don’t have to worry about Merrick”. McClure is not only enamored with Smith’s play on the floor, but just as much with the character he displays off the floor.
Smith has refined his game this summer by focusing on “becoming the best all-around player I can be.” He said he’s gained much more confidence in his three-point shooting, a skill that now complements his bread-and-butter finishing around the rim.
Coach McClure highlighted Smith’s untapped potential, and Merrick hopes to unlock it as he chases a strong finish to his high school career and more hardware for Kimball Union Academy.
Merrick Smith
Brandon Arnold
Hudson Scroggins