Tanisha Giddens Beatty, Janet Malouf, Crista Ricketts Inducted into Berks County Basketball Hall of Fame
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Tanisha Giddens Beatty, Janet Malouf, and Crista Ricketts were inducted as part of the eight-member Class of 2026 for the Berks County Basketball Hall of Fame during the BCIAA basketball championships last Friday at Santander Arena.
It is the 19th class of the Berks County Basketball Hall of Fame and the women’s basketball category was selected by the 3 Point Goal organization, a supporter of BerksGirlsBasketball.com.
The Reading Berks Basketball Association selected five men’s inductees:
Mike DeCusatis, Wyomissing
Charlie Booker, Exeter
Matt Flannery, Reading High/Wilson
Roger Yoh, Conrad Weiser
Mike Miller Sr., Holy Name/Kutztown/Reading High
Here is a breakdown of the women inductees:
Tanisha Giddens Beatty
Giddens Beatty was instrumental in restoring pride in Reading High girls basketball. She scored 1,228 career points and earned All-Berks honors twice before graduating in 1997.
Her success continued at Alvernia, where she became one of the most decorated players in program history. Giddens Beatty finished her college career ranked third in scoring with 1,723 points and first in rebounds with 1,078, earning four All-Pennsylvania Athletic Conference selections and league MVP honors as a senior while leading the team to a conference championship.
"I was shocked because I wasn’t expecting (the Hall of Fame induction), but excited at the same time," Giddens Beatty said to BerksGirlsBasketball.com this week. "I’m truly appreciative for this honor."
Her basketball journey extended beyond her playing days, including semipro competition and a 13-year tenure coaching Reading High girls basketball. Today, she has the unique perspective of watching her daughter, Xiani, develop into a standout player for the same program where her own career began.
"I love witnessing Xiani’s growth as a player, a person, and a leader," Giddens Beatty said. "I’m grateful that she allowed me to help her along the way. She is making a name for herself, and creating her own path. I couldn’t be more excited for her and her future. It’s even more exciting that she wears Reading across her chest just like I did. That speaks volumes in itself."
Her favorite memories span each chapter of her basketball life.
"Favorite memory in high school has to be helping Reading girls get back into recognition status," she said. "I went through four coaches in high school which made it hard to adjust. But we worked hard and battled every game. Scoring my 1,000th point as the second person in RHS history was a great feat.
"In college, my favorite memory was winning the PAC championship and being named the MVP.
"In coaching, it has to be our double overtime game at the Santander for the county finals against Mifflin in 2018-2019. Although we lost, that was an amazing atmosphere. Those kids bought into the program and fought hard until the final whistle. I was so proud of them, win or lose."
Janet Malouf
Malouf has spent more than three decades building one of the most successful careers in Pennsylvania collegiate coaching history while leading Kutztown University’s women’s basketball program.
"When I found out that I was going to be inducted into the Berks County Basketball Hall of Fame, I was humbled," Malouf said. "I love basketball and have enjoyed my career playing and then coaching this sport. I enjoy seeing my players develop and succeed on the court and in the classroom. I didn’t go into this profession to get into a Hall of Fame. It is humbling and special to be rewarded in this way. It’s an acknowledgement that you affected and made an impact in people’s lives that they wanted to recognize. I am proud to have been bestowed this honor."
Malouf was a high school All-American at St. Peter’s High School in New Jersey before going on to play at Rutgers, where she appeared in 125 games and led the Scarlet Knights in assists as a junior and senior.
She later earned her master’s degree at Purdue before beginning her coaching career, eventually landing the head coaching position at Kutztown in 1994 — a job she initially thought would be temporary.
"I grew up in Milltown, N.J., and was able to have a stellar career at St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick and then at Rutgers University," Malouf said. "Milltown is similar to a lot of towns in Berks County. Small-town living, but near a bigger city. You could ride your bike all over town to play ball at several parks. A community that knew who you were. Berks County is like that. So many towns that have that small community feel.
"I never thought I would be here this long. After finishing college at Rutgers University, I went to Purdue University where I got my Masters Degree. From there, PA called and I got my first job at Lafayette College. I spent four years there as an assistant coach. I was lucky enough to land the head coaching job at Kutztown University in the summer of 1994. I thought I would only be here for a few years, but I came to love KU and the opportunity to coach and raise a family in a nice community and area became more important than being anywhere else."
Malouf has guided Kutztown to numerous milestones, including the program’s first PSAC championship during the 2024-25 season.
"I have had several meaningful moments throughout my career," Malouf said. "Winning the county and state title at St. Peter’s as an undefeated team my senior year. Being in the Elite 8 twice during my college career at Rutgers University. Playing for USA in the R. Williams Jones Cup and winning the gold medal. My second year at KU where we finished 20-8, won the PSAC East and made the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. Then in 2024-25 winning the first PSAC title in basketball ever at Kutztown University. I have been blessed with some talented and driven women’s basketball players and coaches during my time at KU."
Malouf said recruiting players from Berks County remains a priority and requires finding the right fit for both player and program. Former Muhlenberg standout Ryanna Hightower-Prentice is currently on the roster and current Wilson senior Laura Crocona will be on it next year.
"Recruiting Berks County players is tough in that it really needs to be a good fit for both KU and them," Malouf said. "Making the transition from being a great Berks County Girls Basketball player to being an impactful player in the PSAC can be daunting. For me, playing this close to home, I want to make sure that they can make a difference in our team and understand their role. Whether you will be a starter or role player, a recruited player or walk-on, and what that means for you playing in front of your hometown fans. This is very important to me as we evaluate players. Usually the top players in Berks County have some really good skills. They tend to compete with a passion for their school. There are huge rivalry games and seeing who rises to the occasion and how they handle the good and bad gives us a look at their character, determination and willingness to be part of a team and something bigger. How well they handle the pressure of playing in front of their community. Because there are many small community schools, most Berks players play more than one sport. I love that. We want competitors."
Crista Ricketts
Ricketts ranks among the greatest scorers in Berks Girls League history, totaling 1,867 points during her standout career at Daniel Boone, where she was a four-year starter, three-time All-Berks selection, and the Berks Player of the Year as a junior.
She continued her career at LaSalle University, scoring 1,645 points — fourth-most in program history — while earning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year honors, three all-conference selections, and four Philadelphia Big 5 honors. She later played professionally overseas for six seasons.
"I felt incredibly proud, grateful, and honestly blessed when I found out I was being inducted into this year’s class," Ricketts said. "To have my name enshrined alongside so many of the best players Berks County has produced is truly an honor. It’s humbling to be recognized in that way and something I don’t take lightly."
Ricketts said former Daniel Boone greats Wendy Davis and Paige Lutz helped inspire her career and the pride associated with the program.
"Absolutely, I was very aware of both Wendy Davis and Paige Lutz," Ricketts said. "They were Daniel Boone legends, and knowing what they accomplished definitely inspired me and my teammates. We wanted to help bring that same pride and tradition back to Boone girls basketball and carry on the legacy they helped build."
Her basketball journey spanned decades and continents, but the relationships formed along the way remain her most meaningful takeaway.
"I was truly blessed to have a long career, playing competitive basketball from grade school through my late 20s," she said. "I had the opportunity to play alongside great players-many of whom became best friends and lifelong friends. When I look back, my favorite memories aren’t tied to one single game or moment, but to the relationships I formed, the pride I brought to my family, and the doors the game opened for me both on and off the court."
Ricketts now lives in Florida, working as a Behavioral Health Care Coordinator.
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