Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2025-26 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Kaleena Smith of
Ontario Christian (Ontario) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps California High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 5-foot-6 junior point guard led the Knights to a 34-2 record and the Open Division state title.
Among the national leaders in scoring, Smith averaged 31.5 points, 6.9 assists, 4.5 steals and 3.7 rebounds per game. Her efforts have helped Ontario Christian climb to No. 1 in the MaxPreps Top 25.
Kaleena Smith is three points shy of 3,000 in her career after scoring 24 in the California Open Division state final. (PHOTO: David Steutel)
In a 56-49 win over Archbishop Mitty (San Jose) in the state final, Smith led the Knights with 24 points.
A two-time MaxPreps All-American and the 2023-24 MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year, Smith is three points shy of 3,000 for her career.
Regarded as the top prospect nationally in the Class of 2027, Smith is weighing offers from the likes of Connecticut, LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee, UCLA and USC among others.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released in April. Past selections include 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) along with 2025 All-WNBA selections Aliyah Boston (2017, 2018, 2019), Paige Bueckers (2018, 2019), Napheesa Collier (2015), Sabrina Ionescu (2015, 2016), Kelsey Mitchell (2014), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and Jackie Young (2014, 2015).
Past MaxPreps California Players of the Year2021-22 — Juju Watkins, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)
2022-23 — Juju Watkins, Sierra Canyon
2023-24 — Kennedy Smith, Etiwanda
2024-25 — Aliyahna Morris, Etiwanda
