Video: Katrina Merriweather Signing Day Presser
Katrina Merriweather and her staff announced the signing of five new additions on Wednesday.
Cincinnati currently has the sixth rated recruiting class for the class of 2025.
Merriweather met with the media to discuss her 2025 recruiting class and the impact it will have on the future of her program.
Leading the class is local product, and five-star guard, Dee Alexander out of Purcell Marian High School.
Dee is currently No. 10 in the latest ESPN rankings.
A three-time Ohio State Champion, Alexander earned Ohio Miss Basketball her sophomore and junior seasons, a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA U16 Championship, and is the all-time scoring leader in Purcell Marian history.
Joining Alexander is highly touted four-star point guard Caliyah DeVillasee.
Ranked the No. 1 player in Maryland, DeVillasee is ranked the 55th best prospect nationally after averaging 17.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds during a junior season that saw her earn a Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year nomination.
Merriweather and her staff added to the front court depth with the addition of 6-foot-2 forward Kali Barrett (Bradenton, FL).
Barrett is currently ranked the fourth best player in the state of Florida and is the second all-time leading scorer and rebounder in Cardinal Mooney history. Barrett has led her team to three straight Florida 3A State Runner-Up finishes and was a Sports Illustrated nominee for Florida Girl's Player of the Year in 2024.
Rounding out the Bearcats' recruiting class are two players from Tennessee.
Dynamic combo guard Joya Crawford (Dyersburg, TN) is the all time leading scorer in her high school's history and is a two-time Tennessee Offensive Player of the Year. Crawford was named State Tournament MVP after leading her team to a state championship in 2024.
Briarcrest Christian Academy shooting guard Paige Whitted is a bit of an unknown after battling injuries but averaged 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game during her high school career.
Whitted has had a unique advantage with her development over the years, as her father has coached within the NBA.
The Bearcats are also a finalist for Jaida Civil, who is currently ranked 13th nationally by 247 sports, as well as 32nd by ESPN.
Civil is a 6-foot guard out of Palm Bay High School in Florida.