Athlete – Basketball
Demetria Bright, affectionately known as Meechie by most, began her athletic career on the Northside of Lexington. She would begin to shape and learn her craft in the local parks (Green Acres/Hollow Creek) and gyms (Salvation Army). Demetria would attend Winburn Jr High school 1984-1987 as a two-sport athlete, leading the girls’ basketball team to consecutive championships each year (84/85, 85/86 & 86/87. She also flourished in track, earning individual first place city championship honors in in shot put 85/86, discuss 85/86 & 86/87, high jump 84/85 & 85/86. This rich tradition of winning, would follow her as she attended Henry Clay High School. She would be a three-year starter, where her team would be regional champions each of those three years, attending the KHSAA Sweet 16 tournament. She would accumulate more than 1800 points and more than 1100 rebounds in her three years. Averaging 12 pts 9 reb as a sophomore, 20.1 pts 12.4 reb as a junior and 19.0 pts 11 reb as a senior. She would earn: first team all-city (87/88, 88/89, 89/90), first team all-state (88/89, 89/90), all-state honorable mention (87/88), 1989 Kentucky Junior All Stars, 1990 Kentucky-Indiana All Star, 1990 KHSAA All tournament team, 1990 KHSAA Most Valuable Player, 1990 Street and Smith Parade All American.
Her senior season would be highlighted as she led the team in scoring, rebounds, and assists. She would lead a team, as the only senior starter, that consisted of one junior and three sophomores. All five starters would average double figures and Henry Clay would finish the season 32-4, winning the girl’s Sweet 16 state title, Lexington first girl’s championship. She would earn the 1990 Sweet 16 Most Valuable Player honors. Former Herald Leader sports journalist Mike Fields shared, “Before Demetria’s senior season, Coach Bob Tripure said he’d rather Demetria win the Sweet 16 MVP award than Miss Basketball. Trip got his wish!” Demetria would earn a scholarship and attend the University of Iowa under Head Coach C. Vivian Stringer. Her freshman class was ranked the number one recruiting class of 1990. She would earn a starting spot her sophomore season. Iowa would go on to be Big Ten champions 91-92. Demetria would then transfer to the University of Cincinnati where she would be named preseason Great Midwest Newcomer of the Year 1992-93. She would suffer a career ending injury the second practice of the season.
Demetria currently resides in Indianapolis IN. She currently works for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. After working several years as a sworn officer, Demetria made a career path change that is geared more towards service. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Master of Social Work with emphasis in mental health and addictions.
