Latest news with #KaleenaSmith
USA Today
03-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Iowa women's basketball offers nation's top 2027 recruit Kaleena Smith
Iowa women's basketball offers nation's top 2027 recruit Kaleena Smith On the heels of the program offering four-star prospect Madi Mignery, Iowa women's basketball continued its push for the nation's top 2027 recruits by extending an offer to five-star guard Kaleena Smith. Smith, who hails from Ontario, Calif., is ranked as the top national recruit by both ESPN and 247Sports, and the No. 1 recruit in the Golden State per Prep Girls Hoops. The 5-foot-6 point guard's unbelievable stat line fits her top national billing. Smith holds a career average of 29.1 points, 7.3 assists, 4.2 steals and 3.2 rebounds per game over 65 games played in the past two years at Ontario Christian High School. Smith shoots 51% from the field, 39% from 3-point territory, and 85% from the free-throw line, per MaxPreps. In addition to the Hawkeyes, Smith has received notable offers from South Carolina, UConn, USC, UCLA, LSU, and Tennessee. While landing the top national recruit in the 2027 class would immediately catapult the Hawkeyes into national title contention talk, Smith has quite a long way to go in her recruitment, and the Hawkeyes have clearly shown they are willing to go toe-to-toe against the premier competition on the recruiting trail. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
Los Angeles Times
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Complete coverage: The L.A. Times' 2024-25 All-Star basketball teams
Eastvale Roosevelt's Brayden Burries and Ontario Christian's Kaleena Smith headline the L.A. Times' 2024-25 All-Star boys' and girls' basketball teams. Here's complete coverage.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Girls' basketball player of the year: Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian
As the smallest player on the court, 5-foot-6 sophomore guard Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian High still makes the greatest impact with her skills, intellect and instincts. It's a sight to behold as she dribbles around opponents, makes an assist or pulls up for a three. Fans know they are watching a trendsetter, because after games they surround her seeking a photo or an autograph. After averaging 23.2 points and 8.1 assists while leading her team to its first Southern Section Open Division girls' basketball championship, Smith has been selected The Times' player of the year in high school girls basketball. 'She's a culture changer,' coach Aundre Cummings said. Ontario Christian rose up to go 30-2 and pick up wins over powers Sierra Canyon and Etiwanda twice. Smith showed unselfishness and real improvement even though her scoring total dropped from averaging 34.9 points as a freshman. She helped others achieve individual success by being a facilitator, which led to team success. In the 65-63 victory over Etiwanda in the Open Division final, Smith made three clutch free throws in the final seconds to clinch the win. "It's second nature and God was with me," she said. Smith finished with eight assists and 13 points. Smith's work ethic spread to teammates, as she worked out after practices and before school to improve her shot. As women's basketball continues to rise, young players like Smith prepare to add their talent and determination to the cast. With two years left in high school, Smith is already becoming a national player. Adidas signed her to an NIL deal. College coaches can't wait to begin the recruiting process with official visits. She continues to work on getting stronger so she can score through contact. "She impacts the game," Cummings said. "Her humility is contagious. It's a blessing to see." Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Girls' basketball player of the year: Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian
As the smallest player on the court, 5-foot-6 sophomore guard Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian High still makes the greatest impact with her skills, intellect and instincts. It's a sight to behold as she dribbles around opponents, makes an assist or pulls up for a three. Fans know they are watching a trendsetter, because after games they surround her seeking a photo or an autograph. After averaging 23.2 points and 8.1 assists while leading her team to its first Southern Section Open Division girls' basketball championship, Smith has been selected The Times' player of the year in high school girls basketball. 'She's a culture changer,' coach Aundre Cummings said. Ontario Christian rose up to go 30-2 and pick up wins over powers Sierra Canyon and Etiwanda twice. Smith showed unselfishness and real improvement even though her scoring total dropped from averaging 34.9 points as a freshman. She helped others achieve individual success by being a facilitator, which led to team success. In the 65-63 victory over Etiwanda in the Open Division final, Smith made three clutch free throws in the final seconds to clinch the win. 'It's second nature and God was with me,' she said. Smith finished with eight assists and 13 points. Smith's work ethic spread to teammates, as she worked out after practices and before school to improve her shot. As women's basketball continues to rise, young players like Smith prepare to add their talent and determination to the cast. With two years left in high school, Smith is already becoming a national player. Adidas signed her to an NIL deal. College coaches can't wait to begin the recruiting process with official visits. She continues to work on getting stronger so she can score through contact. 'She impacts the game,' Cummings said. 'Her humility is contagious. It's a blessing to see.'
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Times' 2024-25 All-Star girls' basketball team
A look at the Los Angeles Times' All-Star girls' basketball team for the 2024-25 season (with height and year): Jerzy Robinson, Sierra Canyon, 6-0, Jr.: The national recruit led the Trailblazers to a 28-3 record, averaging 26.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Kaleena Smith, Ontario Christian, 5-6, So.: One of the nation's top players from the class of 2027 averaged 23.1 and 8.1 assists for 30-2 Ontario Christian. Tatianna Griffin, Ontario Christian, 5-11, Fr.: Griffin averaged 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds while showing fearlessness against older opponents. Grace Knox, Etiwanda, 6-3, Sr.: The Louisiana State commit was a rim protector in helping Etiwanda win its third straight Open Division state title. She averaged 16 points and 13 rebounds. Aliyahna Morris, Etiwanda, 5-5, Sr.: The California commit ran the show for the Eagles, averaging 24 points while stepping in to be the offensive catalyst when needed. Addison Deal, Mater Dei, 6-0, Sr.: The Iowa commit and McDonald's All-American averaged 19.9 points for the Trinity League champions. Tess Oldenberg, Chino, 6-2, So.: She averaged 18.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.6 blocks for the Mt. Baldy League champion. Jordin Blackmon, Bishop Montgomery, 5-11, Sr.: The three-time Del Rey League player of the year headed to Rice averaged 14.7 points and 6.9 rebounds. Julia Wilson, Rancho Christian, 5-10, Sr.: The Gonzaga commit averaged 21 points and 6.3 rebounds in leading her team to the Southern Section Division 1 title. Lev Feiman, Brentwood, 5-8, Sr.: The UC San Diego commit averaged 15.4 points and became the school's all-time scoring leader with 1,844 points. Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
