Ryan Donnelly knew it would be a challenge rebuilding Central Valley High School’s girls basketball program.
The Hawks had a combined record of 5-60 the three seasons before his promotion to head coach in 2020-21.
Central Valley has yet to experience a breakthrough year under Donnelly’s guidance. Roster changes due to injuries and other reasons combined with offensive struggles prevented the Hawks from realizing their potential this past winter.
“We all want to win games,” he said. “Our main goal is to improve as players and as a team. We’re going to try to compete in every game as well. In a year or two, we’ll see some big improvements in the program.”
The shorthanded Hawks welcome back four players from a season ago, including Jennifer Mejia (Sr.), Jannet Valencia (Sr.), Marion Dennison (Jr.) and Julyanna Valencia (Jr.).
Central Valley has four newcomers in Destiny Herrera (Jr.), Emily Mariani (So.), Lilyanna Madrigal (Fr.) and Valeria Padilla (Fr.).
Herrera and Mariani competed at the junior-varsity level last year.
“The girls we have now are committed to the program,” Donnelly said. “They play hard no matter what. They understand it takes time to build. As long as they put in the work, they’ll get better. We have a solid core group.”
Dennison and Julyanna Valencia have been named team captains.
“I chose them because they’ve been a part of the program the longest,” Donnelly said. “The team respects and listens to them. They’re always positive. They always play hard. They set good examples.”
Donnelly talked about the challenges of fielding a team with a thin roster.
Central Valley’s varsity team holds combined practices with the junior-varsity squad due to its lack of numbers.
“There are some difficulties having eight players. The eight we have are dedicated. They give it their all at practice and during games. They all understand they need to be conditioned to play longer minutes. The players are ready for it. Before the season started, we conditioned hard.”
The Hawks amassed a 1-24 overall record and finished in last place in the Central California Conference standings with an 0-12 mark in 2022-23.
Central Valley notched its lone victory against 10-18 Stone Ridge Christian. The Hawks prevailed, 39-36.
The Hawks lost their final 23 games.
Central Valley averaged just 22 points per contest.
The Hawks were outscored 1,281-548 on the year.
“It’s definitely tough,” noted Donnelly in speaking of the quality of play in the CCC. “There are some really good teams out there. They have a lot of experience.”
Central Valley secured its last playoff berth in 2016-17. The Hawks went 11-13 record and finished second in the Western Athletic Conference (7-3).
The Hawks finished 5-23 and last in the CCC standings (1-11) in 2021-22.
Central Valley dropped all eight of its games during the 2020-21 COVID-shortened season.
Central Valley could close the competitive gap next school year when it moves to the Western Athletic Conference as part of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s league realignment plan.
“I think it will be a good change. It’s a different style. In the CCC, everything is a lot higher—the speed, physicality and aggressiveness.”
“We all want to win games,” he added. “Over the next couple years, our numbers will grow. We should have a full team next year.”
