2025 Standouts at Demetrius Richardson Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='713109' first='East' last='Coast United'] held its annual Demetria Richardson Showcase to pay tribute to “ Coach D” who passed a few years ago. Richardson invested so much into the game of basket and the lives of young people- on and off the court. Prep Girl Hoops stopped by the event and laid eyes on some talented basketball players. In this article we look at some of the 2025  standouts at the showcase. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='346835' first='Jaida' last='Civil'] was her usual self and that included a few moves I have never seen before. One move stood out: Civil dribbled behind her back and then conducted a through the leg crossover move and finished at the basket - all in one continuous move. &nbsp; Civil also impressed on the jump shot, the midrange, and the floater.&nbsp; The athleticism is off the charts and we've been saying the same thing for the last 3 to 4 years.&nbsp; Civil has moved to the point guard position, and with the ball in her hands, incredible things happen a little more frequently. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='346822' first='Lamiyah' last='Hogans'] was a standout at the memorial showcase and her versatility was the main attention getter.&nbsp; She shot the three well,&nbsp; but her drives to the rim were her bread and butter at the showcase.&nbsp; Stopping her in transition- forget about it. &nbsp; Hogan's ability to get at the rim in a hurry leaves a defense with little or no&nbsp; chance to stopping her.&nbsp; She showed the ability to finish vertically,&nbsp; off one leg, and with the left and right hand.&nbsp;&nbsp; Hogans is a scorer and she puts pressure on a defense from the moment the ball gets in her hand. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rhianna Matekya</strong> was one of the top performers at the showcase. Matekya really showed a lot of game.&nbsp; Her strength in the middle was noticeable and her play in transition was equal impressive.&nbsp; She stands at 6'0 and her ability to get out on the wing is something to see. Athleticism just jumps off the court. She was voted one of the outstanding 2025 players in the building.&nbsp; It was because of her offense, her performance in transition, and her ability to defend. Matekya can block shots, defend multiple positions, and make the offensive player uncomfortable. She can play defense with the ability to jump, move,&nbsp; and get up on the offensive player. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='846780' first='Tykeria' last='Benjamin'] really looked good out there on the floor.&nbsp; Benjamin just glides on the floor and makes layups and drives to the rim look easy. She has quickness and great lateral movement.&nbsp; Benjamin is a very good on ball defender who makes life uncomfortable for the opposition.&nbsp; She has all the tools and is poised for a big summer. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='788673' first='Serene' last='Exalant'] was a standout at the showcase with her athleticism and ability to get down the floor in transition. She played well and her athleticism and speed were impressive. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> [player_tooltip player_id='248476' first='Savannah' last='Kroener'] was impressive at the Showcase and was one of the best shooters in the building.&nbsp; Kroener&nbsp; made some nice shots,&nbsp; and showcased her three point shooting ability.&nbsp; She connected on 18 threes last basketball season.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='514204' first='Dariasia' last='Pitts'] came to play at the showcase and her length and speed immediately stood out.  Pitt is a tough player to defend in the paint with her length and scoring ability.   Defensively, she is a special player. She can block shots and defend in the paint. She is also versatile enough to cover out in space. Offensively, Pitts is a good scorer around the basket area and can lead the fast-break herself after pulling down the rebound. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='430248' first='Destiny' last='Donaldson'] was another&nbsp; standout at the showcase. Donaldson is a workhorse on the boards and does a lot of damage on the offensive glass.&nbsp; She had several offensive rebounds that she turned into points and that is one of the staples of Donaldson's game.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->