Rio Linda Girls Basketball: A Dominant Season, With Bigger Goals on the Horizon
The 2025 season was one to remember for the Rio Linda High School varsity girls basketball team. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jerry Huffhines, the Knights carved out a historic run, finishing as undefeated conference champions and making deep postseason pushes at both the Section and NorCal levels.
With a 29-5 overall record, a perfect 14-0 in conference play, and a Final Four finish in both the Section and NorCal playoffs, this squad didn’t just win—they dominated. And the most exciting part? They’re just getting started.
Balanced Attack, Total Team Effort
A major part of Rio Linda’s success this year stemmed from a philosophy centered on balance, selflessness, and consistency. While LaRay Mitchell and Mariah Walton led the team in scoring, Coach Huffhines emphasized that this was no one-woman show.
“Our entire starting lineup averaged between 8 and 14 points per game,” Huffhines said. “It was a total team effort.”
That starting five—LaRay Mitchell, Mariah Walton, Kyrri Mitchell, Savannah Grant, and Izzy Hernandez—formed the backbone of the program. Each grew into bigger roles as the season progressed, and each contributed significantly on both ends of the court.
Unstoppable in League Play
The Knights were untouchable in conference play, cruising to a 14-0 record and the league championship. Game after game, they showcased their dominance with suffocating defense, sharp execution, and a refusal to let complacency set in.
Their conference dominance wasn’t just a statistical feat—it was a reflection of their mental toughness and collective drive.
“We never lost two in a row all season,” said Huffhines. “They took setbacks well, stayed focused, and always moved on to the next challenge.”
Playoff Power: A Run to the Final Four
While the regular season was impressive, it was the Knights’ postseason performance that truly showed their evolution as a team. They pushed deep into both the Section and NorCal playoffs, reaching the semifinals in each.
Though they ultimately fell short of a championship, the experience only served to sharpen their resolve.
“We ran into a couple of teams that we struggled with,” said Huffhines. “But this is a confident group. They wanted to go further than last year, and they did. Next season, I expect the same mindset.”
With the entire starting lineup returning, Rio Linda enters next season as not just contenders—but favorites.
Player Development: Growth Across the Board
Coach Huffhines had high praise for his starting five, all of whom took noticeable strides during the year. The growth was individual and collective, with players embracing both increased responsibility and team-first roles.
“LaRay Mitchell, Mariah Walton, Kyrri Mitchell, Savannah Grant, and Izzy Hernandez all grew,” Huffhines said. “They learned what it takes to win consistently and developed into players we could rely on in any situation.”
That development wasn’t just physical—it was mental. The team matured in how it approached preparation, game management, and the inevitable challenges that come in a long season.
Handling Adversity with Poise
Basketball seasons are rarely without adversity, and for the Knights, the key was resilience. Whether facing injuries, pressure-packed games, or tough losses, the team never allowed a bad moment to become a bad trend.
“We responded well,” said Huffhines. “This team never lost back-to-back games. They stayed focused and just kept working.”
That kind of mental toughness bodes well for a team aiming for bigger goals in 2026.
Seniors and Bench Contributions
While the senior class didn’t have the on-court impact that’s typical in many programs, they still played a supporting role. Primarily coming off the bench, they provided rest for the starters and occasional sparks when needed.
“They didn’t contribute as much as I would’ve liked,” admitted Huffhines. “But they did what they could to support the starters.”
The real legacy, however, lies in the culture that’s been built—a foundation that future classes can help sustain.
Eyes on the Future: The Best Is Yet to Come
Perhaps the most exciting part of this team’s story is that they’re not done. With all five starters returning—and all five having grown significantly—Rio Linda is poised for an even deeper postseason run next year.
“These girls want a Section title,” Huffhines said. “They know how hard it is. They’ve been through it. Now they understand what it takes.”
Experience is the best teacher, and this squad is now armed with both talent and playoff-tested poise.
Offseason Focus: No Complacency Allowed
Coach Huffhines isn’t resting on this year’s success. In fact, he’s already eyeing areas for improvement.
“Everything,” he said simply, when asked what the team will focus on in the offseason. “Shooting, IQ, rebounding—you name it.”
This relentless pursuit of excellence—despite a near-30 win season—is part of what separates great programs from good ones. And Huffhines is clearly building something special.
Where to Find More
For those looking to track Rio Linda’s progress, game results, and individual stats, everything is available online.
“You can find our stats on MaxPreps,” said Huffhines.
As the offseason begins and attention turns toward 2026, fans and opponents alike will be keeping a close eye on what this Rio Linda squad does next.
Conclusion: Champions in the Making
The 2025 Rio Linda girls basketball team didn’t just win—they dominated, learned, and evolved. With a perfect conference record, deep playoff run, and a core group returning, this season was more than just a milestone.
It was a launchpad.
Coach Huffhines and his players know the job isn’t done. But they’ve already proven that they have the talent, toughness, and team-first mentality to reach the next level.
A section title? A NorCal championship? Don’t count them out.
This isn’t just a strong team. This is a program on the rise—and the best is still to come.
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