Richfield High School Girls Basketball Season Preview

The Richfield High School Girls Basketball team had a season to remember in 2024–25, marking a true resurgence for the Spartans under Head Coach Desmond Walker. With a blend of senior leadership and promising youth, Richfield finished 19-9, their winningest season since 2011, and clinched their first playoff victory in 14 years. Senior Leadership Lifts Spartans The heart of the team came from a trio of standout seniors who led both statistically and emotionally: Desi Chappell: Averaged 18 points, 6 steals, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds per game, setting the tone with relentless energy on both ends. Aniiya Johnson: Averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds, while draining 86 three-pointers, ranking her 13th in the state from beyond the arc. Zarihana Rennie: Added balance with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game, contributing consistently in all phases. “This senior class put Richfield back on the map,” said Coach Walker. “They were tremendous and left behind a culture we can build on.” Signature Wins and Season Highlights The Spartans not only posted a winning record but also rewrote history along the way. Richfield defeated cross-town rival Holy Angels twice—something the program hadn’t done in 15 years. “These were games we historically would lose,” Coach Walker said. “But this group learned to fight through adversity better than any team we’ve had in a long time.” Young Talent on the Rise The program’s future is just as promising. Freshman Iona McNabb turned heads with her shooting, sinking 53 three-pointers and averaging 8 points per game. Eighth grader Zuri Hayes showed her defensive versatility at 5’10”, able to guard all five positions on the floor. Ania LaDuke embraced her role, finishing strong with 6 points and 4 rebounds per game. “We’ve got young, hungry players who want to be better,” Walker noted. “If they commit to putting in the work, we can be even better next season.” What’s Next This offseason, the focus is on building leadership, sisterhood, and a deeper desire to win—intangibles that Coach Walker believes are essential for taking the next step. Where to Find Stats Full team stats and player performance data can be found on MaxPreps, Hudl, and the Star Tribune MN Girls Hub.