Kaleena Smith: National Sophomore of the Year

Smith’s growth as both a scorer and playmaker stood out this season. She averaged 23.2 points, 8.1 assists, 4.5 steals, and 2.8 rebounds per game, guiding her team to one of the most dominant runs in the country.

While her scoring dipped slightly from the 34.9 points per game she posted as a freshman, her evolution as a floor general was undeniable. Smith embraced a leadership role, raising her assists average by 1.6 per game and helping develop standout freshmen teammates Tati Griffin and Sydney Douglas.

Her unselfish play and ability to elevate those around her were key in keeping Ontario Christian at the top of national rankings throughout much of the season.

Recognizing the Class of 2027

Smith headlines a 30-player roster representing the nation’s best from the Class of 2027 — a group that made major contributions to their teams this season.

Selections for the Sophomore All-America Team were based on:

• Team success and championship impact

• Individual performance and statistics

• Accolades earned at local, regional, and state levels

Potential for collegiate or professional play was not a determining factor. Players participating in post-graduate or non-scholastic programs were excluded to maintain fairness and focus on true high school competition.

In Summary

From her electric scoring to her unselfish leadership, Kaleena Smith continues to redefine excellence in high school basketball. As the reigning National Sophomore of the Year, she cements her place as one of the brightest young stars in the country — and a player to watch as the spotlight shifts toward the 2025-26 season.

2024-25 Girls Basketball: Sophomore All-America Team

First Team

Haylen Ayers, University School of Jackson (Jackson, Tenn.)

• 6-0 | Guard
• This Division II Class A Miss Basketball averaged 21.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game as the Bruins achieved a record of 24-4 and made it to the state semifinals.

Micah Ojo, Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Va.)

• 6-0 | Small Forward
• Averaged 18.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 steals per game while leading the Cavaliers to an undefeated 28-0 season and the Class 5A championship.

Jordyn Palmer, Westtown (West Chester, Pa.)

• 6-1 | Forward
• Recorded averages of 21.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 3.1 blocks, and 2.6 steals in guiding the Moose to a 27-3 record and a fourth consecutive Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association title.

NATIONAL SOPHOMORE OF THE YEAR: Kaleena Smith, Ontario Christian (Ontario, Calif.)

• 5-6 | Point guard
• As the top-ranked player in her class, Smith averaged 23.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.5 steals per game, leading the Knights to a 30-2 record and a No. 5 ranking after spending much time at the top of the Top 25.

Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka, Bullis (Potomac, Md.)

• 6-2 | Guard
• The No. 2 prospect in the sophomore class put up 18.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game, contributing to the Bulldogs’ 25-8 record and a state semifinal showing.

 

Second Team

Kie’Aundria Acree, Monroe (Albany, Ga.)

• 5-11 | Guard
• She made an impact by averaging 31.1 points, 15.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 4.0 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game for the Class AAA quarterfinalists, hitting the milestone of 1,000 career points this season.

Jezelle Banks, Ursuline Academy (Wilmington, Del.)

• 5-8 | Guard
• As the Raiders made it to the state semifinal, Banks recorded averages of 21.7 points, 4.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 steals each game.

C’india Dennis, Creekside (Fairburn, Ga.)

• 5-4 | Point guard
• Averaged 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.8 steals as the Seminoles went a perfect 32-0, claiming the AAAA state championship. She had standout performances with 30 points in the semifinal and 22 points in the final.

Qandace Samuels, Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.)

• 6-2 | Wing
• Crowned MVP of the state tournament, Samuels averaged 14.6 points and 4.0 rebounds while leading her team to a No. 3 finish in the final Top 25, impressive with her 30-point effort where she shot 8 of 10 from beyond the arc during the state title game.

Nation Williams, Centennial (Las Vegas, Nev.)

• 6-2 | Post
• This Class 5A MVP played a key role in the Bulldogs’ state title victory, averaging 17.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals, and 2.1 blocks each game.

 

Third Team

Caroline Bradley, Oak Grove (Oak Grove, La.)

• 6-5 | Center
• Bradley averaged 21.8 points and 15.1 rebounds as the Tigers achieved a 21-4 record and advanced to the Division III Non-Select state final.

Lauren Hassell, Clarksville Christian (Clarksville, Tenn.)

• 6-3 | Forward
• She contributed averages of 18.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.4 steals per game while exceeding 2,000 career points.

NyAir McCoy, Bishop McNamara

• 5-4 | Point guard
• McCoy stepped into a crucial role for the Mustangs, averaging 7.8 points, 5.7 steals, and 5.0 assists per game.

Finley Parker, River Ridge (Woodstock, Ga.)

• 6-3 | Forward
• She averaged 14.6 points and 7.0 rebounds, helping the Knights secure a 31-1 record and the Class AAAAA championship while finishing No. 20 in the Top 25.

Dasia Scott, Principia (St. Louis, Mo.)

• 6-2 | Forward
• Scott averaged 17.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals for the Panthers, who finished 24-5, claiming the Class 3 state title.

 

Honorable Mention

Reginna Baker, Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.)

• 5-6 | Guard
• Baker led her team with 14.4 points per game, contributing 4.4 rebounds as the Saints finished 26-4 and won the Class 4A championship.

Jazman Bailey, Lake Ridge (Mansfield, Texas)

• 5-9 | Guard
• She averaged 12.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.

Ryan Carter, Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.)

• 6-0 | Guard
• Carter produced 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, shooting 53 percent from the field for the Vikings (22-8).

JaNyia Cunningham, South Pointe (Rock Hill, S.C.)

• 6-0 | Forward
• Cunningham played a vital role in the Stallions’ 30-1 record and advancement to the Class 4A semifinals, averaging 19.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.

Lillie Graves, McCutcheon (Lafayette, Ind.)

• 6-0 | Guard
• Graves averaged 18.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 steals, and 3.4 assists while contributing to the Mavericks’ 24-4 season record.

Khalia Hartwell, Westside (Anderson, S.C.)

• 6-5 | Forward
• Hartwell averaged 15.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game for her team, which reached the Class 4A state finals.

Samari Holmen, Duncanville (Texas)

• 5-8 | Guard
• Holmen averaged 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.9 steals per game for the Pantherettes (29-7), who made it to the Class 6A Division 1 regional final.

Eve Long, Olathe South (Olathe, Kan.)

• 6-3 | Forward
• This All-State standout averaged 22.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 2.1 assists per game.

Jemini Mitchell, Cypress Springs (Cypress, Texas)

• 6-2 | Shooting guard
• Mitchell averaged 22.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 steals for the Panthers (30-4), reaching the Class 6A Division 2 regional final.

Sydney Mobley, Big Walnut (Sunbury, Ohio)

• 6-2 | Forward
• Mobley accounted for 20.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocked shots per game, leading the Golden Eagles to a 23-4 record and a Division II state semifinal appearance, setting scoring and rebounding records for Big Walnut in the process.

Bella Owumi, St. Mary’s (Lynn, Mass.)

• 6-0 | Guard
• Owumi averaged 17.1 points, 13.7 rebounds, 4.5 steals, and 3.8 assists as the Spartans had a successful season, finishing with a 25-3 record and capturing their third Division 3 state championship in four years.

Ze’Ni Patterson, Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)

• 5-9 | Guard
• Patterson took on a larger role for the highly rated Monarchs following McKenna Woliczko’s injury.

Ari Phillips, Johnston (Iowa)

• 5-10 | Guard
• Phillips averaged 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 steals, all while contributing to the Dragons’ impressive 52-game win streak and their second consecutive Class 5A championship.

Sydney Savoury, Belleville (Mich.)

• 5-11 | Guard | Class of 2027
• Leading the Tigers to a remarkable 28-1 record and a Division 1 state title, Savoury averaged 26.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

Ava Van Vonderen, Kimberly (Wis.)

• 6-1 | Forward
• Van Vonderen played a vital role for her team’s Division 1 state championship, averaging 12.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.