Kaleena Smith has emerged as a standout player in the 2025-2026 high school basketball season, making headlines as the top-ranked women’s recruit for the class of 2027. The 5-foot-6 point guard from Ontario Christian in Ontario, California, is averaging an impressive 34.9 points per game (PPG) during the first 14 games, leading her team to a perfect 14-0 record.
Right from the season opener on November 21, 2025, Smith showcased her scoring prowess by netting 43 points against Nazareth in Brooklyn, New York. Just a day later, she followed up with 35 points against O’Connor in Phoenix, Arizona. Her most remarkable performance came on November 25, when she scored 51 points in a commanding 113-34 victory over Esperanza in Anaheim, California. This early-season surge mirrors her exceptional freshman year, where she averaged 34.9 PPG over 33 games.
Exceptional Shooting and Summer Success
Smith’s offensive efficiency has been nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout the season, she has successfully made 130 of 175 two-point shots, resulting in a remarkable shooting percentage of 74%. Notably, she achieved perfect shooting games, including 13 of 13 and 11 of 11 from inside the arc. Her performance follows a stellar summer with the elite squad 7 Days, where she led the team to victory in the Adidas 3SSB Circuit championship and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Her versatility is evident in her ability to contribute across the board. Smith has recorded two double-doubles this season and has come close to triple-doubles on two occasions. On December 10 and 11, she finished one assist and one steal shy of achieving this feat, scoring 32 points with 9 assists and 9 steals in one game, followed by 36 points with similar stats in the next.
In her season opener, Smith made 16 of 25 field goals overall, including 12 of 15 from inside the arc, while also contributing 9 assists and 5 steals. She continued her high-level gameplay with 6 three-pointers and 35 points against O’Connor, alongside 6 assists, 7 rebounds, and 6 steals.
Proven Performance Under Pressure
Smith’s ability to perform under pressure is well-documented. As a member of the 2024 USA Women’s U17 National Team, she gained valuable experience that has translated into her current success. Recently, she maintained her scoring streak with 37 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a 106-39 victory over Oak Park in California, shooting a perfect 11 of 11 from inside the arc.
Her first double-double of the season came on December 4 against Fairmont Prep, where she scored 32 points and distributed 15 assists in an 88-41 victory. A few games later, she recorded another double-double in a dominant 89-44 win against Lynwood, showcasing her all-around game with 28 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals against JSerra Catholic.
As the recruiting landscape heats up, Smith is attracting significant attention from prominent programs. She was the first female athlete to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Adidas in 2024. Currently, she holds offers from several top-tier universities, including UConn, UCLA, USC, South Carolina, Iowa, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Tennessee.
Kaleena Smith’s remarkable performances this season not only solidify her status as the nation’s top junior but also set the stage for a promising future in collegiate basketball. With her continued dedication and skill, she appears poised to make a significant impact at the next level.
