Speaking of difference makers, let’s talk about the best player in the state of Oklahoma. Caya Smith Caya Smith 6'2" | SF Putnam City West | 2024 State OK is still listed as 6’0″ in the program and announced that way at the beginning of the game, but the eyeball test says otherwise. She looks to be closer to 6’2″ these days, yet can still play any position, one through five. She is long and strong and is going to do some absolutely amazing things in head coach Jennie Baranczyk’s offense at OU next season. Her shooting stroke is a thing of beauty. She hits from the line consistently. She acts like a professional on the court with a demeanor beyond her years, even when fouling out due to what some might term “untimely officiating.” There is not enough praise to go around for Caya and her game. She is a true asset to Oklahoma basketball.

Smith had #D1Lock dropped on her in the 5th or 6th grade yet it was easy because she was “long and athletic” which one more time, is and will always be the base and her showing great timing to block shots back then spoke volumes. She has continued to turn the noise up, she scores multiple ways off the dribble, with either hand, she scores around the basket, putbacks included, she also can drop the midrange. Her defense, in and outside the paint is solid, so is her court vision

Caya is a high level D-I player and our number one player in the class of 2024. The state long jump champion will most likely dunk in a game this season, as she has attempted it before and almost tore the roof off the building, while just missing. She has added a three-pointer to her arsenal over the years and now scores consistently from every level. She is a defensive wizard who can guard any position and does a tremendous job of diagnosing the play and stepping into passing lanes. She holds A LOT of D-I offers and if you’re a college coach serious about winning, I’m not sure why you haven’t offered her yet. She is a star and will continue to be at the next level. She is the best senior basketball player in the state of Oklahoma. Period.

Caya is probably one of the top athletes in the state of Oklahoma. Her length and athleticism puts her in a league of her own when it comes to potential at the next level. She uses her length to protect the rim and her lateral quickness to guard all positions. She rebounds well and can push the ball in transition and make plays in the open floor and when attacking. If she continues to work on her shooting ability, she will raise her stock as a player on the national level and definitely get more attention from high level collegiate  programs.

Caya is an athletic forward with handles and ability to attack off the dribble. She does a good job maneuvering through traffic and finding the open gap to get to the rim. She is long and can finish over the top, around, and even through the defense in the paint if needed. She is at her best on the defensive end due to her length, lateral quickness, and overall athleticism. She pressures the ball well and has elite instincts off the ball when rotating– knowing where the ball is and usually the first to the ball. I would like to see her use her athleticism more in the paint and if she develops a stronger inside-game her stock with continue to rise. Caya has been recognized the 39th ranked player nationally in the class of 2024 according to ESPN W, and I believe she is only going to get better.