Ripon High Girls Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Remarkable Turnaround Under New Leadership
Under the guidance of first-year head coach John Scheid, the Ripon High Girls Varsity Basketball team completed one of the most inspiring turnarounds in recent memory. After finishing second to last in the Trans-Valley League (TVL) the previous season, Ripon stormed back in 2025 to finish first in league play with an 11-1 record, notching 19 total wins and laying a solid foundation for the future of the program.
From a rocky start to an 11-game winning streak, from a struggling program to league champions, this season was defined by resilience, chemistry, and a commitment to team-first basketball.
Key Contributors: The Core Behind the Climb
At the heart of Ripon’s success were a group of dedicated athletes who embraced their roles and consistently delivered on the court.
Kaylee Lehmkuhl, the team’s point guard, served as the floor general. Coach Scheid praised her decision-making and calm presence, noting her ability to control the tempo of the game. “She makes good decisions,” he said. In the high-pressure moments, it was Kaylee who kept the team grounded.
Leila Sanches, the shooting guard, brought energy on both ends of the floor. Her smart, composed play and tenacious defense stood out throughout the season. “She played smart and under control the whole season and most of the time guarded their best player,” Scheid shared.
Meanwhile, Danika Escola dominated the paint, pulling down double-digit rebounds in multiple games. She brought balance to the backcourt-heavy squad, contributing consistently on both ends.
Other important pieces included Shayla McKeon, who recorded two double-doubles, Anandjap Dhami, a dependable sophomore who played heavy minutes, and Scarlett Ponce, all of whom stepped up when needed. It was this depth and adaptability that allowed Ripon to remain competitive every night.
From Losing Season to League Champions
Coach Scheid took over the program after a difficult prior season and quickly instilled a new sense of purpose. His efforts paid off in a big way.
“We had a 19-win season finishing 1st overall in the TVL. We went from second to last place to first place,” Scheid said.
While the improvement in the standings is impressive, the growth in team chemistry was equally transformative. The players began to embrace their roles and trust each other—a shift that began about eight games into the season. That’s when Coach Scheid introduced a quote from legendary coach John Wooden: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when nobody cares who gets the credit.”
This message resonated deeply with the team. From that point on, Ripon played like a cohesive unit. The wins followed, including an 11-game winning streak, a feat that not only propelled them to the top of the standings but also brought a renewed sense of pride to the program.
Team Bonding and Shared Success
Beyond the Xs and Os, the Ripon girls found strength in each other. Team meals before every home game became a tradition, offering opportunities for bonding and creating a deeper sense of unity. This closeness translated to the court, where unselfish play and shared celebration became the norm.
Each night, a different player could step up and make a difference. As Coach Scheid noted, “Our team was well-rounded. We had someone else contributing each night.”
It was a team that didn’t rely on a single star but rather found success through collective effort—something rarely seen to this degree at the high school level.
Leadership and Mentorship from the Senior Class
A defining element of Ripon’s turnaround was the leadership of their seven seniors. Guiding a young group that included five sophomores, these veterans took it upon themselves to mentor and encourage the next generation.
“They did a great job mentoring the younger girls. They all became close friends, and it showed,” Scheid emphasized.
This mentorship helped foster a culture of respect, accountability, and growth. The older players’ example off the court, in the classroom, and in practice set a high standard for the underclassmen to follow.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Though the season ended on a high note, it wasn’t without its challenges. The team faced a rocky start and had to overcome growing pains, both individually and collectively. Rather than folding under pressure, they rose to meet each moment with determination.
While Coach Scheid didn’t elaborate on specific injuries or tough losses, the message was clear: this was a team that knew how to respond. Setbacks became opportunities to grow. Pressure situations revealed character. And through it all, the girls leaned on one another.
Looking Forward: A Bright Future for Ripon Girls Basketball
Though the team will lose its senior leadership, Coach Scheid is excited about what’s coming next.
“What excites me most is the commitment these girls have. They want to put the work in.”
Returning players like Anandjap Dhami and others who gained meaningful experience this year will have opportunities to step into larger roles. With the culture firmly established and the offseason ahead, the focus turns to continued player development and building on this year’s momentum.
Coach Scheid’s vision includes not only improving skills and basketball IQ, but also playing at a faster pace next season—a shift that will require conditioning, versatility, and buy-in from the players. Fortunately, he believes he has the right group to take that next step.
A Program on the Rise
What Coach Scheid and the Ripon girls accomplished in 2025 wasn’t just a successful season—it was a foundational year. It was about more than just wins and losses. It was about changing mindsets, building culture, and proving what’s possible when a team truly believes in itself.
From embracing selflessness, to finding joy in each other’s success, to beating teams they hadn’t beaten in years, the Ripon High Girls Varsity team rewrote the narrative of their program.
Fans and followers can find the team’s season stats and player highlights on MaxPreps, but the real story lies in the effort, resilience, and heart shown by each player throughout the year.
As the offseason begins, one thing is clear: Ripon Girls Basketball is back—and just getting started.
 the previous season, Ripon stormed back in 2025 to finish first in league play with an 11-1 record, notching 19 total wins and laying a solid foundation for the future of the program.
From a rocky start to an 11-game winning streak, from a struggling program to league champions, this season was defined by resilience, chemistry, and a commitment to team-first basketball.
Key Contributors: The Core Behind the Climb
At the heart of Ripon’s success were a group of dedicated athletes who embraced their roles and consistently delivered on the court.
Kaylee Lehmkuhl, the team’s point guard, served as the floor general. Coach Scheid praised her decision-making and calm presence, noting her ability to control the tempo of the game. “She makes good decisions,” he said. In the high-pressure moments, it was Kaylee who kept the team grounded.
Leila Sanches, the shooting guard, brought energy on both ends of the floor. Her smart, composed play and tenacious defense stood out throughout the season. “She played smart and under control the whole season and most of the time guarded their best player,” Scheid shared.
Meanwhile, Danika Escola dominated the paint, pulling down double-digit rebounds in multiple games. She brought balance to the backcourt-heavy squad, contributing consistently on both ends.
Other important pieces included Shayla McKeon, who recorded two double-doubles, Anandjap Dhami, a dependable sophomore who played heavy minutes, and Scarlett Ponce, all of whom stepped up when needed. It was this depth and adaptability that allowed Ripon to remain competitive every night.
From Losing Season to League Champions
Coach Scheid took over the program after a difficult prior season and quickly instilled a new sense of purpose. His efforts paid off in a big way.
“We had a 19-win season finishing 1st overall in the TVL. We went from second to last place to first place,” Scheid said.
While the improvement in the standings is impressive, the growth in team chemistry was equally transformative. The players began to embrace their roles and trust each other—a shift that began about eight games into the season. That’s when Coach Scheid introduced a quote from legendary coach John Wooden: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when nobody cares who gets the credit.”
This message resonated deeply with the team. From that point on, Ripon played like a cohesive unit. The wins followed, including an 11-game winning streak, a feat that not only propelled them to the top of the standings but also brought a renewed sense of pride to the program.
Team Bonding and Shared Success
Beyond the Xs and Os, the Ripon girls found strength in each other. Team meals before every home game became a tradition, offering opportunities for bonding and creating a deeper sense of unity. This closeness translated to the court, where unselfish play and shared celebration became the norm.
Each night, a different player could step up and make a difference. As Coach Scheid noted, “Our team was well-rounded. We had someone else contributing each night.”
It was a team that didn’t rely on a single star but rather found success through collective effort—something rarely seen to this degree at the high school level.
Leadership and Mentorship from the Senior Class
A defining element of Ripon’s turnaround was the leadership of their seven seniors. Guiding a young group that included five sophomores, these veterans took it upon themselves to mentor and encourage the next generation.
“They did a great job mentoring the younger girls. They all became close friends, and it showed,” Scheid emphasized.
This mentorship helped foster a culture of respect, accountability, and growth. The older players’ example off the court, in the classroom, and in practice set a high standard for the underclassmen to follow.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Though the season ended on a high note, it wasn’t without its challenges. The team faced a rocky start and had to overcome growing pains, both individually and collectively. Rather than folding under pressure, they rose to meet each moment with determination.
While Coach Scheid didn’t elaborate on specific injuries or tough losses, the message was clear: this was a team that knew how to respond. Setbacks became opportunities to grow. Pressure situations revealed character. And through it all, the girls leaned on one another.
Looking Forward: A Bright Future for Ripon Girls Basketball
Though the team will lose its senior leadership, Coach Scheid is excited about what’s coming next.
“What excites me most is the commitment these girls have. They want to put the work in.”
Returning players like Anandjap Dhami and others who gained meaningful experience this year will have opportunities to step into larger roles. With the culture firmly established and the offseason ahead, the focus turns to continued player development and building on this year’s momentum.
Coach Scheid’s vision includes not only improving skills and basketball IQ, but also playing at a faster pace next season—a shift that will require conditioning, versatility, and buy-in from the players. Fortunately, he believes he has the right group to take that next step.
A Program on the Rise
What Coach Scheid and the Ripon girls accomplished in 2025 wasn’t just a successful season—it was a foundational year. It was about more than just wins and losses. It was about changing mindsets, building culture, and proving what’s possible when a team truly believes in itself.
From embracing selflessness, to finding joy in each other’s success, to beating teams they hadn’t beaten in years, the Ripon High Girls Varsity team rewrote the narrative of their program.
Fans and followers can find the team’s season stats and player highlights on MaxPreps, but the real story lies in the effort, resilience, and heart shown by each player throughout the year.
As the offseason begins, one thing is clear: Ripon Girls Basketball is back—and just getting started.)
Share With