Kaleena Smith Guides Ontario Christian to Win the Open Division Girls’ Basketball State Championship

SACRAMENTO — In a standout display of talent, junior guard Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian emerged as a formidable force during the state Open Division championship game on Saturday night. Facing off against Archbishop Mitty at Golden 1 Center, Smith showcased her exceptional skills, contributing significantly to her team’s 56-49 victory.

Smith delivered an impressive performance, scoring 24 points and contributing five assists, consistently making clutch shots throughout the emotionally charged game. This victory marks the fifth consecutive season that Mitty has finished as runner-up, as powerhouse teams from Southern California, including Sierra Canyon, Etiwanda, and now Ontario Christian, continue to challenge their dominance.

“She’s so incredibly shifty,” said Mitty coach Sue Phillips. “She’s really dynamic. She’s one of the most talented scorers and makes big shots at critical moments.”

In addition to Smith’s heroics, Skylah Archer stepped up in place of injured freshman Chloe Jenkins, scoring a career-high 14 points. Tatianna Griffin also made a notable contribution with 12 points as Ontario Christian rebounded from a previous loss in the Southern Section Open Division final against Sierra Canyon. The team concluded the season with an impressive record of 34-2.

While Mitty fought hard, led by Iowa-bound McKenna Waliczko, who recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds, the Knights found their rhythm in the fourth quarter. As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Smith and Waliczko exchanged baskets, highlighting their status as future WNBA players. Smith’s three-pointer with 5:56 left, followed by Griffin’s layup, pushed Ontario Christian ahead 46-41, with Archer extending the lead further.

“I definitely thought it was a hard-fought game,” Smith reflected. “We had adversity, they had adversity. They went on runs, we went on runs. We came through and stayed together.”

Smith noted that their previous loss to Sierra Canyon served as a crucial wake-up call for the Knights. “I felt we went into that game expecting to win,” she said. “And a win is never expected. We changed our mindset.”

With this victory, Ontario Christian not only claimed the title but also solidified their place among the elite teams in high school girls’ basketball in Southern California.