Juan Ruiz

Samantha Gonzalez (23) and Kaylee Rodriguez (11) completing their personal handshake at the start of the game.

DHS Basketball: First Round of League

As the second semester begins, the DHS boys and girls basketball teams head into their first round of league play. On January 9, 2026, the Emperors started their first in-season (league) game. Every preseason matchup was in preparation for the teams they would play in the league. This year, the schools in our league are: Hanford High Bullpups, Tulare Western Mustangs, Lemoore Tigers, Tulare Union Tribe, and the Mission Oak Hawks.

Going into the basketball season, the boys were looking forward to a difficult league schedule, but after winning multiple challenging games during the preseason, they were prepared for the demanding games ahead. Their record after the first round of league play is 2-3, having lost to the Mustangs, the Tigers, and the Tribe. The games against the Mustangs and Tigers were intense, with the final scores only a few points apart. 

Scores (boys)

1/9- Dinuba vs. Hanford: 64-62

1/13- Dinuba vs. Tulare Western: 51-54

1/15- Dinuba vs. Lemoore: 42-51

1/21- Dinuba vs. Tulare Union: 56-73

1/23- Dinuba vs. Mission Oak: 71-35

The leading scorers for the Lemoore, Tulare Western, and Tulare Union games were Alexander Barragan (senior), Zeke Celaya (sophomore), Jaden Herrera (freshman), and AJ Pena (freshman). Congratulations to Alex Barragan for being named Student Athlete of the Week for scoring in double digits in multiple games in a row, and congratulations to the players for their outstanding effort and commitment to the team!

As for the girls, their record at the end of the first round was 4-1, with a 35-44 loss to Mission Oak. This highly anticipated game was the deciding factor in determining the league’s best team. Unfortunately, after the Lady Emps lost, they are now second in the league and will have to fight their way back to the league title. Here are the finishing scores for this round:

Scores (girls)

1/9- Dinuba vs. Hanford: 54-18

1/13- Dinuba vs. Tulare Western: 55-22

1/15- Dinuba vs. Lemoore: 57-34

1/21- Dinuba vs. Tulare Union: 35-31

1/23- Dinuba vs. Mission Oak: 35-44

Samatha Gonzalez is the leading scorer for the Lady Emps, averaging 15 points per game (MaxPreps), and performed exceptionally well during the first round of the league. Congratulations to Gonzalez for her hard work and for leading the girls in their victories!

Both teams this season have focused on growth, hard work, and coming together as a team. Emma Rico, a senior captain on the girls’ team, explains this season as one of persistence and consistent effort. 

“I would describe this season as growth, consistent perseverance, and hard work. I think that we started off the season kind of struggling, but we really worked together as a team… We’ve just worked so hard through practices and games, too,” she stated. “We had a really great season last year, so I think we just wanted to see that carried over into this season and to continue to be successful.”

As we enter the second round, the Emperors will continue to show their confidence in every game, not only through their triumphs but also through their support for their teammates. Good luck, Emperors!