A beloved basketball tradition returned to Southwest Florida on Saturday, celebrating more than just on-court skills.

The 8th Annual Stef’An Strawder Memorial Showcase highlighted rising talent while honoring the memory of a local star whose life tragically ended too soon.

Stef’An Strawder’s uncle, Keith White, reflected on his nephew’s passion for basketball.

“Stef’An was an undersized kid that loved to play basketball. He started out, you know, just picking up a ball, playing around, and then he realized, I’m really talented, and I can get to the next level,” said White.

Though Stef’An Strawder, who was 18, never reached that next level, his legacy continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams. The event attracted dozens of student-athletes from middle and high schools across the state, not only to compete but also to honor Strawder’s memory.

“It is an honor. People wanted me to come out and represent that,” said Macario Rubicco, a senior at Oasis High School.

Stef’An Strawder was a standout guard at Lehigh Senior High. His life was tragically cut short during the 2016 Club Blu shooting, which also claimed the life of 14-year-old Sean Archilles.

The showcase is organized in partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Sylvester Smalls shared his memories of Strawder’s potential.

“It was designed for him and four other kids. From there, Stefan started getting recruited, and the other kids started getting recruited,” said Smalls. “But it was actually designed for him to get more exposure, and unfortunately, we lost him about three or four weeks after.”

Keith White emphasized the importance of continuing his nephew’s legacy through the event.

“Stef’An was a part of it. The coaches fell in love with him, and every year after that, they continued to come back. So when he was actually lost, we were actually going to keep this going. So this is how this came about, in care of his life,” said White.

The event followed the sentencing of one of the five individuals believed to be involved in Strawder’s death.

“We want to make sure the people that were a part of it are held accountable. So it does give us some justification. But again, these events are more positive. So these are the things we kind of take with us,” said White.

The showcase provided young players with exposure in front of college scouts, keeping Stef’An Strawder’s spirit alive.

White expressed his gratitude for the annual event and his nephew’s growing legacy, as young athletes continue to honor Strawder’s memory.