Fresno State debuts local star with 14-year title legacy

Fresno State women's basketball coach Ryan McCarthy identified Ryleigh Schoonover as the best player in the region for the class of 2026. The former Clovis West standout has joined the Bulldogs roster, marking the start of her collegiate career in her hometown.

Schoonover arrives with a background defined by sustained high school success. The Clovis West Golden Eagles have secured consecutive Central Section championships for 14 straight years. This long run has made winning a standard expectation within the program.

Coach Craig Campbell, who led the Golden Eagles, described the team's annual goal as staying competitive. "We want to be good every year," Campbell said. "We're not going to win it every year, but we want to be knocking on the door every year."

McCarthy stated that Schoonover proved her status as the top local recruit immediately upon joining the team. "In my opinion, Riley was the best player in the area for her class of 2026," McCarthy said. "Riley came in and proved that right away."

Schoonover chose to remain in the valley for college rather than attend a distant school. She noted that wearing the local identifier on her jersey carries unique weight for residents. "To wear that valley 'V' on your chest, it's something different," Schoonover said. She added that most people outside the area do not understand that sentiment.

The Fresno State team is pursuing a Pac-12 championship this season. McCarthy explained that Schoonover's experience in a dominant high school program prepared her for college expectations. "She played with a very good high school basketball program here, and all they did was win," McCarthy said. "And so, that's the expectation when she sets out on the floor."

Schoonover credited Campbell for establishing a baseline of effort that translated to the collegiate level. She noted that in both environments, "Everything is the standard." The Bulldogs open their season against UC Merced in less than two weeks. Schoonover will play her first game at the Save Mart Center. Campbell believes the player is still developing, noting that she is just scratching the surface of her potential for the college staff.