News Summary
Over the weekend, Rock Hill, SC, became a showcase for young basketball stars during the 2025 adidas 3SSB Girls Live Session I. Top talent from multiple states displayed their skills, with standout performances, particularly from players like Kaleena Smith and Kate Harpring. The future looks bright for youth women’s basketball as these athletes attract attention from college scouts and coaches.
Rock Hill Welcomes Elite Young Basketball Talent at the 2025 adidas 3SSB Girls Live Session I
This past weekend, from April 25-27, the city of Rock Hill, SC turned into a hotbed for budding basketball stars during the highly anticipated 2025 adidas 3SSB Girls Live Session I. Athletes from various states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Arizona, gathered to showcase their skills in front of eager college scouts and coaches. The excitement was palpable, with some players leaving a lasting impression on the court.
Kaleena Smith Steals the Spotlight
Among the standout players was 5-6 point guard Kaleena Smith, who made waves by scoring an astounding 37 points in a single game against the Southeast Allstars. Although she may be on the shorter side, her skills and agility allow her to navigate through defenses with grace and precision. Over the course of the weekend, Smith averaged an impressive 22.0 points and 4.8 assists, leading all players in both categories. Her ability to drive to the rim effectively has garnered her attention as one of the most promising talents in her class.
Competition on the Rise
Smith wasn’t the only one making headlines at the event. Class of 2026’s Kate Harpring, another dynamic point guard, managed to score 28 points against Smith while playing with a mask that limited her visibility and comfort. Despite the challenges, Harpring averaged 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over the weekend, shooting an impressive 46.2% from beyond the arc.
Also drawing attention was Oliviyah Edwards, a towering 6-3 forward from the class of 2026, known for her athletic prowess. Edwards averaged 13.8 points and 6.3 rebounds, showcasing her ability to dominate inside the painted area. Taking advantage of her height and skill, she proved to be a formidable opponent for defenders.
Promising Talents Shine Bright
Amari Byles, a versatile wing also belonging to the class of 2026, was notable not just for her scoring—averaging 10.8 points—but for her active engagement with teammates and commendable defensive abilities. Meanwhile, Nation Williams, another player in the class of 2027, began the weekend somewhat slower but picked up pace, finishing with averages of 20.0 points and 7.8 rebounds.
The weekend provided a platform for other newcomers like Eve Long, a post player from the class of 2027, who averaged 12.3 points and 5.5 rebounds, along with contributing to defense with 1.5 steals and blocks each game. The performances exhibited by these young athletes reflect the evolving talent pool in youth women’s basketball, and coaches couldn’t help but take notice.
The Future Looks Bright
The recognition of the 2025 adidas 3SSB Girls Live Session I continues to grow, thanks in part to the quality of competition and the state-of-the-art facilities at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center. As the event showcases emerging talent in front of a wide array of college scouts, many players are now on the radar of various colleges looking for potential recruits.
The timing of this event coincided with significant developments in the world of women’s college basketball. Notably, Dawn Staley, the head coach of South Carolina women’s basketball, is set to receive a statue from the City of Columbia this week, which highlights the state’s commitment to the sport. With former South Carolina players making headlines for their transfers and commitments to rival SEC schools, the collegiate landscape is abuzz with excitement.
As the players leave Rock Hill, they carry not just memories of the competition but also the hope and anticipation of future opportunities in their basketball careers. Attendees already look forward to the next adidas 3SSB event, knowing they’re likely to witness the rise of the stars of tomorrow.
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Additional Resources
- On3: South Carolina Women’s Basketball Observations
- College Football Network: Kaleena Smith 37 Points
- On3: South Carolina Women’s Basketball Recruits
- Fayetteville Observer: UNC Basketball Recruiting
- MaxPreps: Darryn Peterson Highlights
- Wikipedia: Women’s College Basketball
- Google Search: Women’s Basketball Recruiting
- Google Scholar: Women’s College Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Basketball
- Google News: Women’s Basketball
Author: HERE Rock Hill
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