Darius Garland, Vanderbilt signee from Brentwood Academy, named Naismith award semifinalist

Brentwood Academy senior and Vanderbilt signee Darius Garland has been named a semifinalist for this year’s Naismith National Boys’ High School Player of the Year award.

Garland, a two-time reigning Mr. Basketball and Tennessean Player of the Year winner, is averaging 28.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 steals for the Eagles (17-5, 8-1 DII-AA E/M), who are aiming for a school-record-tying fourth consecutive state championship. 

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"The team just gets me open shots, and I'm knocking them down," said Garland, a 2018 McDonald's All-American. "We have a lot of young players this year, and I'm just trying to lead us to another state championship hopefully." 

The 6-foot-1 Garland, who recently eclipsed the 2,000-point mark for his career, is one of just 10 high school seniors across the country who's still in the running for the prestigious award, which will be announced March 8.

The 2018 National Naismith All-America team will be unveiled March 5.

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Garland, a five-star prospect and the nation's second-ranked point guard according to 247Sports composite rankings, was recently invited to take part in the 2018 Nike Hoop Summit, an all-star game featuring the top 12 U.S. high school seniors along with the top international players age 19 and under. 

The 21st Nike Hoops Summit is set for April 13 in Portland, Ore.

Reach Michael Murphy at mfmurphy@tennessean.com or 615-259-8026 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.