Demarce brings proven grassroots success, strong recruiting connections and a reputation for developing talented Native student-athletes.
Hillcrest Native has officially named Peejay Demarce as the new head coach of its boys basketball program, adding an experienced grassroots leader with a proven ability to identify talent, build competitive rosters and connect with Native basketball players from across the country.
Demarce has established himself as a respected figure within the Native basketball community through his work with the highly talented Tribe Hela and Sunset Park grassroots programs. Both teams have featured loaded rosters filled with skilled Native hoopers from different states, allowing players to compete against strong competition while gaining valuable exposure.
His success has gone beyond simply collecting talented players. Demarce has demonstrated an ability to bring athletes from different communities and backgrounds together, develop team chemistry and create an environment built around accountability, competition and growth.
That experience will be important as Hillcrest Native continues building a boys program designed to provide student-athletes with a national platform.
Building a successful basketball program requires more than coaching during games. It takes relationships, organization, recruiting, player development and the ability to establish a culture that athletes and families believe in.
Demarce has shown those qualities throughout his time in grassroots basketball.
Through Tribe Hela and Sunset Park, he has successfully attracted talented Native players from across the country. His teams have earned attention by competing with toughness, athleticism and confidence while providing players with opportunities to showcase their abilities in front of new audiences.
Demarce’s relationships throughout Native basketball should also help Hillcrest Native expand its recruiting reach. His familiarity with players, families, coaches and communities gives him an understanding of what Native student-athletes need both on and off the court.
That combination of basketball knowledge and cultural connection makes him a strong fit for the direction of Hillcrest Native.
Hillcrest Native is being developed as more than just another basketball team. The program’s mission is to create meaningful academic, athletic and recruiting opportunities for Native student-athletes who are ready to compete at a higher level.
Under Demarce’s leadership, players will have the chance to improve their fundamentals, basketball IQ, conditioning and understanding of team concepts. They will also be challenged to become disciplined student-athletes who represent their families and communities with pride.
The goal is to prepare players for the expectations of college basketball while helping them navigate the recruiting process.
For many student-athletes, talent is only one part of earning a college opportunity. Players must also understand how to communicate with coaches, maintain their academics, create quality film and perform consistently against strong competition.
Demarce’s experience building successful grassroots rosters should help Hillcrest Native identify athletes with potential and place them in an environment where that potential can be developed.
With his ability to recruit, build rosters and develop talent, Demarce has the résumé to be the right candidate to lead Hillcrest Native’s boys prep program for the 2027–2028 season.
The upcoming year will provide an opportunity for him to establish the program’s identity, recruit players who fit the vision and build a foundation capable of competing against strong prep-school competition.
Hillcrest Native will look for student-athletes who are committed to improving, willing to be coached and prepared to embrace the responsibilities that come with representing a national program.
Demarce’s background suggests that the Bruins will play with toughness, energy and togetherness. His ability to connect with Native athletes from around the country could also make Hillcrest Native an attractive destination for players seeking development, exposure and college recruiting assistance.
The hiring of Peejay Demarce represents another major step forward for Hillcrest Native.
His grassroots success with Tribe Hela and Sunset Park, combined with his ability to bring together talented Native hoopers from across the country, provides the program with an experienced leader capable of building something special.
Now, Demarce will have the opportunity to take that success to the prep level.
With a national recruiting vision, a commitment to player development and strong connections throughout Native basketball, Coach Demarce is ready to begin a new chapter and lead the Hillcrest Native boys program into the 2027–2028 season.
The foundation is being built.
The recruiting process is beginning.
And a new era of Hillcrest Native basketball is officially underway.
