Basketball Recruiting: Clovis West Champion Commits to Fresno State

Ryleigh Schoonover is moving from the high school level to the collegiate stage, joining the Fresno State women's basketball program as part of the 2026 freshman class. The former Clovis West player is preparing to start her first season with the Bulldogs while remaining in her home region.

Schoonover arrives from a high school program with a history of sustained performance. Clovis West has claimed Central Section championships for 14 consecutive years, a run that has established title expectations as part of the team's identity. Craig Campbell, who coached Schoonover at Clovis West, addressed the program's goal of staying competitive annually.

"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."

As other players departed to pursue college opportunities, Schoonover opted to stay near her local community. She said playing for Fresno State carries specific meaning for her.

"To wear that valley 'V' on your chest, it's something different," Schoonover said, noting that most people outside the valley do not understand that sentiment.

Ryan McCarthy, the Fresno State coach, has expressed a positive assessment of the newcomer's abilities. "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."

McCarthy also cited Schoonover's background in a winning program as preparation for college competition. "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 stated that Campbell prepared her for the demands of McCarthy's program. She said that at both levels, "Everything is the standard." She joins a Fresno State team that is pursuing a Pac-12 championship.

Her college debut is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. Fresno State's season opener against UC Merced is less than two weeks away, with Schoonover preparing to play her first game at the Save Mart Center. Campbell said he expects further development from the player. "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," he said.