Who are the Merced area’s top girls basketball players to watch this season?
It’s cold and rainy outside, and that means high school girls basketball season is heating up inside Merced-area gymnasiums.
The area has already seen some highlights, including Merced High junior Averie Steverson making history by surpassing 1,000 career points.
As the 2025-26 continues to ramp up, the Sun-Star polled area girls basketball coaches for some players to watch.
Here they are:
Averie Steverson, Merced High junior guard — Not only is Steverson an excellent scorer, she is an excellent defender. Her coach, who is also her dad, Willie Steverson, said, “She can guard all five positions and has great instincts to get blocked shots. Those instincts come from playing volleyball all her life.”
Samantha Barragan, Merced High senior guard — Barragan is a point guard with excellent vision who can score, and also a good three-point shooter, Willie Steverson said. “She is also a leader,” he said. “Her leadership skills help us tremendously, as we have three freshman and one sophomore on the roster.”
Saige Harcksen, Riley Leonardo and Natlia Melgoza, Atwater seniors — It’s hard to choose among the Falcons’ top seniors, who helped lead Atwater to a Sac-Joaquin Section Division II championship last season. The team is trying to win the school’s sixth consecutive Central California Conference title.
Kaylin Scheurich, Golden Valley junior guard — Scheurich is the leader for the Cougars’ defense. “Kaylin is all heart and hustle all game long and leads the charge on defense, helping set the tone,” coach Brian Choyce said.
Zoe Gonzales, Golden Valley senior forward — Gonzales works hard, is fast and agile, Choyce said. “Zoe is also a potential energy battery as well as someone who comes up with clutch buckets and is a top scorer on the team,” he said.
Mady Dietz, El Capitan senior guard — Dietz scored 19 points to surpass 1,000 career points in a tournament win over Manteca on Monday. She’s the first Gauchos player to ever reach that mark, according to coach Adam Her.
Alexis Valenzuela, El Capitan sophomore guard — Valenzuela is a really talented sophomore. “Probably one of the most skilled young players I’ve seen come through a Merced school in a long time,” Her said.
Taliyah Craft, Buhach Colony sophomore guard — The talented sophomore is averaging more than 17 points per game.
Noelani Hocson, Livingston junior — Hocson is averaging 10 points and six rebounds a game so far this season.
