247Sports released its expanded 2027 women’s high school basketball rankings on Thursday. Sitting at the top of these nearly 50 elite prospects is Ontario Christian’s rising junior, Kaleena “Special Kay” Smith.
Smith isn’t just the best player in the 2027 class. 247Sports Director of Women’s Basketball Scouting Brandon Clay tells CBS Sports that he believes the 5-foot-6 point guard is the “best women’s high school basketball player in the country, regardless of class.”
“Smith is so smooth with the basketball in her hands,” Clay said. “Her ability to make plays and dictate the pace cannot be overstated. Smith’s poise and presence are at a different level than her peers.”
Clay isn’t the only evaluator who sees Smith’s potential. The California native has received offers from almost all of the nation’s top women’s college basketball programs, including: UConn, South Carolina and LSU — the three most recent NCAA national champions. She’s also piqued the interest of her two hometown universities, the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans.
The attention surrounding Smith has moved major companies to enlist the teenager as the face of their brand. The 16-year-old is fielding unprecedented Name, Image and Likeness deals like the one she…
