Fresno State basketball: Ryleigh Schoonover starts college career at Save Mart Center

Ryleigh Schoonover began her freshman season with the Fresno State women's basketball team. The former Clovis West Golden Eagles guard chose to play near her hometown rather than leaving the Central Valley. She is part of a talented incoming class for the Bulldogs.

Schoonover spent her high school career in a program defined by sustained dominance. Clovis West girls basketball has won consecutive Central Section championships for the last 14 years. Coach Craig Campbell, who led the Golden Eagles, described the program's standard. "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."

The decision to stay local held personal meaning for Schoonover. She noted that wearing the valley "V" on her jersey creates a distinct connection that outsiders often miss. "To wear that valley 'V' on your chest, it's something different," Schoonover said. She added that most people outside the region do not understand that sentiment.

Fresno State coach Ryan McCarthy identified Schoonover as the top prospect in her local class. "In my opinion, Riley was the best player in the area for her class of 2026," McCarthy said. He added that she proved her talent immediately upon joining the roster. McCarthy credited her time in a winning high school program for preparing her for college expectations. "All they did was win," he said of the Golden Eagles. "And so, that's the expectation when she sets out on the floor."

Schoonover credited Campbell for instilling a high standard of play that she now carries to the collegiate level. She stated that "everything is the standard" in both programs. The Bulldogs are currently pursuing a Pac-12 championship. Schoonover is preparing for her first game at the Save Mart Center, which is less than two weeks away.

The season opener will be played against UC Merced. Campbell, Schoonover's former coach, believes she has not yet reached her full potential. "I think that's one of the things that's so exciting for Coach McCarthy and the staff is she's just scratching the surface on what a gifted player she could be for them," Campbell said.