Beast of the East: Rising Stars

A lot of young talent was on display at Insider Exposure this past weekend.  The following ladies are young, talented and played at a high level.  Get your eye on these young ladies as they continue their development into the July live periods. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/05/252B4310-55B1-46BC-AF42-69D8E0190484-scaled-crop-1211x796-1653694099.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-436125" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/05/252B4310-55B1-46BC-AF42-69D8E0190484-scaled-crop-1211x796-1653694099-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Ah’Kiyah Pye-2024-Hoops Academy Basketball Extension of the coach on the court, as plays were called she directed her teammates into position and created opportunities for her team to score.  She has elite quickness and does a great job of splitting defenders on her way to the paint.  She utilized her speed defensively to read passing lanes and was too fast in transition for defenders to stop.  Can knock down the open shot, but prefers to facilitate for her teammates. [player_tooltip player_id="391142" first="Ava" last="Fulkerson"]-2025-Elevate Elite Richmond Ava had a great weekend of basketball.  She was outstanding in her relentless pursuit to get in the paint, where she finished over height and drew contact. Her outside shot was on point, consistently hitting over the course of four games. She played the angles, looking for any weakness in the defense as she sliced her way through for crafty finishes. Did a nice job playing off two feet to maintain balance and control. She definitely caught the eye of coaches this weekend. [player_tooltip player_id="409019" first="Lauren" last="Hurst"]-2025-East TN Thunder Another stellar athlete from the class in the class of 2025.  Playing up in the 17u division, she was not one to back down from big moments.  Hit a huge three to lead her team to victory in the 2nd round. Has great size on the wing at 6’2, strong 3pt shooter finding the open gaps in the defense.  She can also put the ball on the floor and finishes around the basket.  This young lady is just getting started, look out for her in July!!! Dasia Preston-2025-Vision Chasers Elite Confident combo guard who was equally effective on or off the ball. Athletic build, speed and shifty. On one play she gathered a loose ball and sprint the court, stopped on a dime with a quick crossover for a finish on the block and drawing the foul. She utilized her speed while maintaining body control to get what she wanted on the court. She has a nice jumper, showed confidence shooting the ball as she was effective from mid range and 3pt line. Isabella Ragone-2026-Team Tre 16u One of the best, if not the best 8th grader I saw in the tournament. However, regardless of class this kid can play and has unlimited potential. Standing at 6’1, this lefty has a smooth jumper and can put the ball on the floor.  She has good instincts and her game was mature beyond her years.  She was patient, knowing when to look for scoring opportunities without forcing shots.  I look forward to watching her development over the years! Natavia Alber=2026-East Coast United 2026 Playing up in the 17u division, Natavia more than held her own.  Her relentless effort and ability to get in good position on the boards was unmatched as she grabbed double digit rebounds against older, more experienced players.  She has good size already, standing at least 6ft tall.  Good motor and plenty of room to develop offensively.  She is the type of player who can fit on any team as she is willing to do little things that make a team successful. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/05/Eliza-scaled-crop-1211x796-1653695712.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-436137" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/05/Eliza-scaled-crop-1211x796-1653695712-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="392764" first="Eliza" last="Cochran"]-2025-Elevate Elite Richmond Eliza had a strong defensive performance this tournament.  She has great size and athleticism, she was able to guard any position on the court.  She displayed great defensive instincts, was focused and actively rebounded.  Primarily played in the post on offense, however, with continued skill work she would be able to make the transition to the wing.