Weed High School Girls Varsity Basketball Season Preview

Weed, CA — The Weed High School Girls Varsity Basketball team once again proved why they are one of Northern California’s premier small-school programs, capturing their third consecutive section championship and advancing to the State Final Four, building on their 2024 State Championship. Head Coach Kent Cunningham reflected proudly on the season: “Our goal was to win back-to-back state titles, but even though we came up just short, I’m incredibly proud of what these girls accomplished. We play with intensity, passion, and pride in our program.” Standout Contributors The team’s success was fueled by a talented, deep, and gritty roster: #1 Alayja Oliver (Senior) – The team’s leader and defensive anchor, Oliver used her speed, length, and basketball IQ to lock down opposing scorers and contribute from all over the floor. #2 Brooklynn Bivens (Junior) – A relentless guard who combines 3-point shooting, aggressive drives, and fiery defense, despite her size. #3 Taylor Davaris (Senior) – Known as the team’s "motor," she brought unmatched hustle, battled for rebounds, and contributed in every phase of the game. #5 Riley Dawson (Sophomore) – The point guard and team leader in assists, she developed into a key scoring threat with high IQ and sharp technique. #24 Annabelle McCarthy (Senior) – A scrappy, undersized post who led the team in rebounds by always finding herself in the right spot. #15 Maci Phillips (Sophomore) – Came alive late in the season with strong post play and tenacious defense, particularly in the playoffs. #21 Maddie Ladue (Sophomore) – Overcame an early ankle injury to contribute key minutes off the bench with inside-out versatility. #10 Ahmani Collins (Freshman) – A lightning-quick defender who constantly pressured ball handlers and began to shine on the glass. #12 Angelina Brown (Freshman) – One of the most athletic players on the team, Brown is rapidly developing into a go-to scorer. A Season of Perseverance The Bulldogs opened the season strong, winning tournaments in Colusa and Las Plumas, despite being the smallest-division team in both. They finished preseason 15–3. A major turning point came midseason when Coach Cunningham, also a firefighter, was deployed for three weeks to help battle the devastating fires in Southern California. During his absence, assistant coaches Caitlin Dawson and Derek Dewhurst guided the team. “That was tough for me personally, but the girls showed resilience and kept winning,” said Cunningham. “They learned to lean on each other — a true life lesson through basketball.” Veteran Leadership & Championship Culture Seniors Oliver, Davaris, and McCarthy were central in leading the way, having experienced the thrill of winning a state title in 2024. Their example set the tone for Weed’s culture of excellence. “This senior class passed the torch by example,” said Cunningham. “They showed our younger girls how we play the game and what’s expected.” Looking Ahead With key returners like Bivens, Dawson, Phillips, and rising stars Collins and Brown, Coach Cunningham is optimistic. “We don’t rebuild at Weed — we develop. We’ll be strong and competitive again next year.” Offseason goals? “Everything,” he emphasized. “If you're not getting better, you're falling behind.” Stats & Highlights Fans can follow Weed High’s stats and highlights on MaxPreps and HUDL.