FRESNO COUNTY – Now that the 2025-26 high school basketball season has officially tipped off, several programs throughout the Central Section have high hopes of returning to the top of their respective league’s standings.
Last season, the Tri-County-Kings Canyon League ended up becoming a two horse race, with Immanuel (Reedley) and Sierra Pacific (Hanford) sharing the league title. Once league play begins this season, a new addition, and some more experienced teams, could make the TCKC an even tighter race with a photo finish.
The Immanuel Eagles (29-6 /7-1) capped off one of the most successful seasons in program history with an impressive march to the Central Section D-IV Title game. After the Eagles disposed of Santa Ynez, 58-36, to claim the Section D-IV Title, their attempt at snagging a State title fell by the wayside with a 47-43 loss to Justin-Siena (Napa) in the State D-III Regional Semifinals.
With four key players returning from last season, Immanuel is well-positioned to take their seat at the head of the TCKC table in 2025-26. Senior center/forward Ava Schletewitz returns to provide an interior presence underneath the board and on the perimeter. Senior guards Clara Riddle and Adelina “Nana” Moreno comprise a deep backcourt. And sophomore shooting sensation Kiera Thomas returns from a freshman season for the record books.
Thomas earned CIF All-State Honors for Division III after a stellar debut season in which she led the Eagles in scoring (17.3 ppg), ranked second in field goal percentage (44%) and assists (70) and also led the team in steals (140). Toss in sophomore shooting guard Jenna Goertzen, who ranked second on the team in scoring (331 points), Immanuel should have no problems scoring with the ball.
Sierra Pacific (25-9 / 7-1) suffered a similar fate as Immanuel, bowing out of the CIF D-II Regional State Finals to Salesian College Preparatory Pride (Richmond) 61-51. The Golden Bears have a younger roster returning, and some of their key contributors from last season will be needed to replace former shooting ace Asia Jackson and the defensive presence of Andi Jones.
Senior guard Apajok Ayuen should have no problems filling the scoring void, as she banked home 400 points and 88 three-pointers, according to last season’s stats in MaxPreps. And fellow backcourt mate Kimora Gardner could improve upon her 4.7 ppg average from last season.
Hanford West (18-8 / 8-0) makes its return to the TCKC this season after a one year sojourn. The Huskies take the place of Reedley, who returns to the Tri-County-Sequoia. Hanford West claimed the TCSL Title last season outright, and their season ended with a 80-39 loss to Sierra in the First Round of the Central Section D-III Playoffs.
Much like Sierra Pacific, Hanford West returns a relatively young roster with plenty of potential. Senior guard/forward Laniece Brinston returns with a unique blend of offensive and defensive skills. Brinston ranked second in the TCSL in points per game (11.8) and averaged a league-leading 3.4/steals per game.
League play for Immanuel and most of the other teams in the TCKC begins on Jan. 9.
