Recently, I had the opportunity to meet up with one of the top women’s basketball players in the country. That player was Cy Ranch’s own lengthy and insanely talented DiDi Richards. Richards has been the center of attention for  high school women’s basketball recently, as she has been named a top player in Houston by Vype Magazine as well as the number 18 ranked women’s basketball player in the country by ESPN.

Many people might feel pressured with all eyes on them. Richards instead embraces the attention.

“I like it, it gives you a lot of attention in the hallways,” she said. “Even if I’m at a store, people will see a magazine, put a picture to the face and say ‘Oh you’re DiDi.’ It’s cool to be noticed by all these people.”

All of these astonishing accomplishments might not have happened without a little change in her early life. Richards was a gymnast for some time before eventually making the switch over to basketball. Whatever the sport, though, she always puts in 100 percent.

“I work out everyday,” she said. “In middle school I probably worked out three times a day.” This seems like a tough workout schedule, but DiDi clarified that “it got easier because I started getting better.”

Hard work and hours upon hours put inside the gym have elevated her to a level of play rarely seen. Her ability to play shooting guard and small forward with her height and length makes her impossible to stop. Richards’ stats show that she is averaging 21.3 points per contest along with seven boards, two dimes, two steals and a block and a half per game.

These stats have not been able to affect her team’s win column much though, as our girls’ basketball team has been plagued with injuries. Games with a full roster have been few and far between. Richards credits senior Rachel Tapps and junior Ariana Whitfield for stepping up to the plate in their teammates’ absences.

The lacking season has been a bit disappointing for Richards.

“I really wanted to win state, or at least go on a state run,” she said.

Despite this injury-ridden season, though, Richards spoke optimistically of her team’s future.

“If we play as a team, we’ll be able to do good [in the playoffs],” she said.

In order to do this, Richards believes the team has to “work on rebounding because I’m the tallest kid on our team, but I play outside.” Rebounding would complement a strength the team already has which is getting on to run on the floor.

Richards is focused on this season, but has already drawn offers to play from colleges around the country. She had a pick of the litter in terms of where she wanted to go, but has already decided to make a list of six schools that she is considering. Those six schools are Louisiana State University and the Universities of Texas, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Louisville.

Her future is bright as she has been compared to NBA stars Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki, as well as WNBA superstar Elena Delle Donne, who are lengthy players who can play a variety of positions due to their length.

Richards hopes to be drafted to the WNBA eventually, but mentioned that she would be okay with being a commentator for basketball games. It is easy to see that she will be successful in any endeavor she chooses because of her work ethic that put her atop the basketball world.