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The point guard matchup between No. 1 ranked senior Aaliyah Chavez and No. 1 ranked sophomore Kaleena Smith was so hyped that it even got LSU coach Kim Mulkey attending Saturday's game. It was part of the Holiday Hoopfest in Duncanville, Texas where Chavez's Monterey Lady Plainsmen took on Smith's Ontario Christian Knights.
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Chavez outscored her sophomore opponent, recording 31 points with 12 rebounds and three steals, while Smith had 29 points, nine assists and four steals. However, it was the Knights who came out with an 82-50 victory.
The two five-star prospects guarded each other throughout the game, with Smith showcasing her 3-point shooting and passing while Aaliyah Chavez scored more than half of her team's total.
As for Kim Mulkey, she enjoyed the game with an assistant coach and greeted some people as she arrived. She was there to watch Chavez, as the Monterey (Texas) point guard is one of her 2025 targets. She has also shown interest in Smith, previously sending her a scholarship offer, although she is not yet eligible to play in college until 2027.
LSU already has several five-star recruits under its belt. Grace Knox, ZaKiyah Johnson, Divine Bourrage and Bella Hines have all committed to go to Mulkey's program at Baton Rouge.
Kaleena Smith's freshman teammate becomes rising star during tournament in Texas
Ontario Christian (California) is filled with freshmen and sophomore talent but Kaleena Smith is the biggest name of them all. During their trip to Texas, 6-foot-6 freshman center Sydney "Bean" Douglas shined.
Douglas, the daughter of former NFL linebacker Rome Douglas and California Ms. Basketball Maylana Martin, averaged 17.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game at the Holiday Hoopfest.
Against Duncanville on Friday, another freshman proved her worth. Tatianna Griffin helped lead the Knights to victory, scoring 23 points with eight assists. Smith recorded 29 points.
With their win against Monterey, the Ontario Christian Knights now have a 5-0 record.
