O’Connell vs DeMatha 5 takeaways & More.
12-23-17. DeMatha HS. 4313 Madison Avenue. Hyattsville, MD 20781
DeMatha Catholic Stags 73 Bishop O’Connell Knights 53
DeMatha rolled to another big victory Firday night, improving to 7-0 while Bishop O’Connell fell to 5-2. DeMatha has a winning margin of 20 points in 6 games, not including their 121-39 win over the Heights. In 6 of the 7 DeMatha wins Head Coach, Mike Jones took off the breaks, some at the beginning of the 4th quarter. Last evening was the Holiday Homecoming for many DeMatha basketball alumnus. Like most of the WCAC schools, the athletes remain in close contact with their schools. Before & after the game, I chatted with Markelle Fultz (right & 76ers), DJ Harvey who is playing well at Notre Dame, Ryan Allen who has started some games at Delaware, John McRae is having a very nice freshmen season at Catawba, & many more DeMatha alumni. Despite their high accolades, they are always humble, friendly & very close to Coach Jones his staff & players. I am glad to hear Markelle Fultz’s shoulder rehab is going well. Last night DeMatha put on a powerful display of basketball proving why the Stags are ranked #12 nationally.
DeMatha is 7-0, but the Stags have not peaked.
I have watched DeMatha numerous occasion this summer & fall continually progress. Head Coach Mike Jones was in the lab long hours & he has developed the perfect chemistry formula for DeMatha. The starting 5 looks amazing & technically the Stags have a brand new starting five. 7 foot sophomore Hunter Dickinson (left) is a legitimate top 10 national player for 2020. Last night he totaled 14 points, blocked several shots, rebounded very well & made some nice assists. Hunter had a great summer & is continually improving. He could be the most fundamentally sound BIG in the nation. His low post moves, rim protection, rebounding & passing are outstanding. The only area or dimension we have not seen from him is the 3 ball. However, Hunter can drain treys, & we may see him in the near future step outside & hit a few .Fellow sophomore, 6’5″ point forward Earl Timberlake (right top ) is deservedly ranked @ #25 in some national polls. Last night Earl scored 14 points & wreaked havoc on defense.Earl can score at 3 levels, & guard all 5 positions on both sides of the ball if needed. Additionally, he performs every intangible in the book. 6’4″ 2019 CG, Justin Moore has played superb basketball & last night hit 2 treys & totaled a game high 15 points.He is approaching 5 star status which Justin will reach this season. The next section is devoted to Justin. Newcomer 6’1.5″ 2019 PG/CG Jahmir Young (lower left) has been a beautiful fit for DeMatha since day 1. Last evening Jhamir scored 10 points, missing only 1 shot. Not only is Jhamir underrated by fans in the DC/DMV the same holds true nationally. To date I rate Jahmir as a top 125 player in the nation for 2019. He is a very underrated athlete who possesses excellent speed, quickness & great explosion. Jhamir has gone coast to coast off the dribble for slams with either hand. He is deadly from 3 & gets off his jumper super quick with high elevation, Jahmir can facilitate & defend at high level. Additionally, he does not make mistakes. All of Jahmir’s scores are within the DeMatha’s offense with nothing forced. He is a very high IQ player & is a great ball mover. 6’6.5″ 2019 WF/WG Carsten Kolgenik (right) has been fantastic his last 3 games. His performance last night was excellent. Known mainly as a sharpshooter, Carsten Kolgenik is a very compete player. He hit 2 key treys in the 1st half treys with his picture perfect form. Carsten is playing stellar defense & his facilitation skills are outstanding. His shooting % improves each game & Carsten is a very under valued player in the DC/MD & very possibly on the national level However, Prep Hoops has very high regard for Carsten who we rank @ #19 in a very strong 2019 DC/MD class. Carsten got off to somewhat of a slow start & we must credit Coach Jones for staying with Carsten. We theorize Carsten was pressing some in the first 2 games & now is in a comfort zone. Last nighthe played close to a a perfect game. Within the next couple of weeks we will update his Recruiting Profile. The starting 5 is playing brilliant basketball but with 5 newcomer starters from the conclusion of last season, DeMatha can improve & that is scary in a great way.
Justin Moore’s recovery is amazing
Justin sustained his horrible ACL tear on 1-3-17 vs Bishop McNamara. On 12-16-17 Justin was in the DeMatha starting lineup vs Eleanor Roosevelt & scored 19 points from all 3 levels 25 points vs Oakridge 15 vs Wood 12 vs SJC & last night vs O’Connell. I have seen Justin play in 5 of DeMatha’s games this season & 4 times last season before January. Every next game Justin plays I see progress in his recovery & a new additions to his skill-set. Last season Justin was listed @ 6’3″ & he is closing in on 6’5″. He is in elite condition & due his great work ethic in strength & conditioning Justin is very strong & powerful. Justin has developed a fantastic power game in the paint with an array of superb moves. He utilizes ball fakes, up & under, spins, reverses, & straight power up moves where Justin converts at a very high %. His defense, rebounding, handle & facilitation are at at very high level & improved from last season. Justin’s 3 point shot from NBA range is deadly on & off the dribble. Each new game Justin gets higher elevation in his jumper & more pop in his overall game. Last season Justin was a big time dunker & he is good he does need it in his game. The next step in Justin’s recovery will be on January 2, 2018 in Alexandria, VA when the Stags face WCAC opponent Bishop Ireton. which is the target to remove the brace. Justin could have some time needed to acclimate himself in a live game scenario. However, Justin has been practicing without the cumbersome brace. Currently, I rate Justin as a top 50 2019 player nationally & will move higher. Everyone in the DC DMV & MD/DC is praying for his 110% recovery which Justin, his family & DeMatha deserve.
DeMatha could be in the top 10 National final Rankings.
DeMatha plays a tough national schedule & is currently ranked @ #12 by Max Preps with WCAC rival Gonzaga @ #13. Already with key wins over nationally ranked Oak Ridge HS & Archbishop Wood, DeMatha will play in the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, SC from 12-26 thru 12-30. DeMatha is set to make its 11th appearance — second only to Archbishop Molloy’s 12 showings at the Beach Ball Classic. Of those opportunities, the Stags have left with the championship on four occasions, their last coming in 2005.This years teams include Imhotep Charter out of Philadelphia, Pa., the winner of the 2016 Beach Ball Classic crown & a top-five ranking in national polls for 2017. The nations # 2 ranked player for 2018, Zion Williamson who is unsigned will not play due to injury, but is expected back in action this January. Other teams playing include Albany Academy (N.Y.), regular tournament participant Bishop Gorman (Nev.), Cox Mill (N.C.), Lanett (Ala.) and Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.). Lone Peak (Utah), Moeller (Ohio) and Clark (Nev.), Fairland (Ohio), Scott County (Ky.), along with mainstays Myrtle Beach and Socastee.
On 1-16-18 DeMatha plays in the Cancer Research Tourney in Wheeling, WV to face powerful McEachern HS, last seasons Region 3AAAAAAA State Runner up finishing @ 29-1. This season McEahern is ranked #9 nationally & the Indians feature 2019 6’5″ 2019 SG Issac Okoro ranked #28 nationally, 6’8″ 2019 PF Batatunde Akingbola, and 5’10” 2020 PG Sharife Cooper ranked #50 in the nation already with 8 high major offers. The Indians are 8-1 with recent wins over Ranney HS (NJ), #4 nationally ranked Hudson Catholic & suffering their 1st loss the season to #16 national ranked The University School from Ft. Lauderdale, FL last night 71-63 in the prestigious City Of Palms tournament in Ft. Meyers Florida.
DeMatha travels to Springfield, MA on 1-14-18 to play in the Hoophall Classic against Archbishop Molloy & 2018 7’1″ 5 star center Moses Brown & 6’1″ 2019 PG Cole Anthony ranked #3 in the nation.
Key WCAC games include : 1-11-18 Gonzaga @ home, 1-16-18 Paul VI @ home, 1-23-18 St.John Cadets @ home, 1-30-18 @ Bishop O’Connell, 2-13-18 @ Gonzaga, 2-16-18 @ Paul VI. Bishop McNamara, St. Mary Ryken, & Archbishop Carroll are teams who are improving & up & coming. If Wynston Tabbs who is a Boston College commit, overcomes a lingering groin injury I look for Ryken to possibly get some upset wins. The Knights have played very well in their last 5 games.
1-27-18 DeMatha will participate in the NJ DC Collision. This will be a very tough game for DeMatha against a team such at The Patrick School.
If DeMatha fares well in their very difficult out of conference schedule, wins the WCAC & Alhambra NCIT Tournament, DeMatha will make their case for a top 5 team national rankings.
Bishop O’Connell will still be tough to beat in the WCAC
Despite last nights loss we expect Bishop O’Connell to finish the season @ #5 in the WCAC behind DeMatha, Gonzaga, Paul VI & St. Johns. After last nights game the Knights record stands at 5-2. O’Connell has recorded impressive wins over over Georgetown Prep, McNamara, & WT Woodson. Their second loss of the season was to Paul VI on 12-6-17 in an away game.
#0 Xavier Johnson 6’2″, PG, 2018. Xavier is ranked @ # 5 in our 2018 Virginia rankings & in committed to Nebraska. DeMatha could be the best defensive team in DC/MD/. Xavier did not have the typical Xavier game last evening. However, Xavier who possesses elite speed & quickness will bounce back very quickly. This summer he converted 17-21 free throws in which Xavier displayed how well he gets in the lane breaking down defenses off the dribble.Xavier plays very tough defense & will get inside for rebounds.This season Xavier has some big games & us averaging over 20 ppg.
#1 Ayan Teel 5’9″ CG, 2019. Ayan plays the 6th man role for the Knights & receives starter minutes. He is speed merchant & like Xavier plays with a high motor. Ayan can hit treys & get in the paint off the dribble to score or facilitate. Against DeMatha Ayan shared a game high with Justin Moore scoring 15. He hit 2 treys & played a very solid floor game. Ayan is averaging 11 ppg & was the Knights MVP last evenings leading scorer with 15.
#3 Matt Becht, 6’3″ WG, 2018. Matt has committed to D1 Mt. St. Mary of Maryland. He is a an excellent 3 point sniper & one of the best in the DC DMV. Matt can get to the rim off the dribble & he is a very good facilitator. Last night he hit 2 treys & Matt is averaging over 14ppg
#20 TJ Gadsden, 6’6″ F, 2020. TJ is a highly regarded sophomore who is seeing more playing time each time out. We will be scouting TJ in the new yaer when WCAC play gets into high gear.
#22 Jake Berry, 6’8″, F, 2020. Jake is injured & when he returns will give the Knights a huge boost. He can play inside out & stretch the floor with his 3 pointer. Jake is very strong & runs the floor very well. Additionally, Jake is an excellent pitcher who could get drafted
#33 Charlie Webber, 6’7.5″, F, 2019. Charlie has a huge upside & already a solid D1 prospect. Last night he scored 11 points which included one 3 pointer. Charlie runs the court very well & has an excellent bounce with a very good 1st & 2nd jump. His shot mechanics are excellent & Charlie has developed great jump hook in the lane. He will bang down low & is good for a few blocks a game. Charlie is ranked #10 in our 2019 Virginia rankings. He is till has nice upside & he is a tremendous college prospect .Several D1 schools
https://prephoops.com/2017/04/prospect-spotlight-charlie-weber-2019/
#35 Jahmal Banks, 6’5″ , G, 2020. Jahmal is very athletic wing who can score very well in transition. He is very long & can defend multiple positions. Last night Jahmal scored 6 points in his starting role. Jahmal is having an excellent season & he was very impressive this summer in the DeMatha BSN Summer League. Jahmal is ranked #21 in our Virginia 2020 rankings. He has tremendous upside with potential to climb up the rankings. Additionally, Jahmal is an outstanding WR in football. He is receiving interest from colleges for both sports. last summer Jahmal played for highly regarded Team Takeover on the Grassroots circuit. If he chooses to concentrate on basketball Jahmal has the potential to become a very highly regarded recruit.
The DeMatha bench & rotation is looking better each game.
#12 Josh Wallace, 6’2″, PG, 2019. Josh is playing his 1st season at DeMatha. He has played very well in recent games after a very successful preseason. Josh is a True pass 1st PG who plays with a high motor & IQ. He can score from all 3 levels & is a lock down defender. Josh’s role could very well increase this month & he is a very key player for DeMatha. This is his 1st season at DeMatha & Josh will be one of the 1st players off the bench.
https://prephoops.com/2017/11/recruiting-report-2019-josh-wallace/
#10 Deven Richmond, 6’4.5″, WG, 2018. Deven is still growing & is an outstanding college prospect. He has only played organized basketball for 4 years & is on the brink of breaking out. Deven is very strong & an elite athlete who can defend & rebound. He can score from all 3 levels with a great vertical. Deven is closing in at 6’5″ & he appears to still be growing. He is a very valuable player off the bench & has played very well. Deven possesses a huge upside.
https://prephoops.com/2017/06/recruiting-report-2018-deven-richmond/
#2 Justin Gielen, 6’0″, PG, 2018. Justin missed the preseason due to soccer where he was a 1st team All Met. Justin will attend the University of MD on a full soccer scholarship. He has an elite handle & a superb facilitator, Justin can score from the mid range & 3 point line. I am amazed how fast he made the transition form soccer to basketball in such short time span. Justin is fantastic in the half court running the DeMatha ball motion offense. Last season Justin was a very big contributor to DeMatha & had a great season. He is a superb facilitator who can score when needed. I will be wring his article this month.
#22 Jamel Melvin, 6’9″ F, 2019. Jamel had an excellent preseason. He is very skilled & has an excellent upside. Jamel could breakout this season or next. He is a very key Big off the bench or DeMatha who improves & gains confidence as he gains strength. He can score off the face up game & is crafty in the post. Jamel is a excellent college prospect who is on the brink of breaking out.
https://prephoops.com/2017/06/recruiting-report-2019-jamel-melvin/
https://prephoops.com/2017/11/prospect-spotlight-jamel-melvin-2019/
#11 Paul Smith, 6’8.5″, F, 2020. Paul has been slowed by a nagging injury & he says he is about 80% healed to date. Paul looked great in the preseason & he has huge upside. He can bang inside & score in the mid range. Last night Paul scored on a superb Euro Step at the rim for a score. His foul shot displayed excellent mechanics. Paul is ranked @ #16 in our 2020 DC/MD rankings & will move higher when he gets 100 % healthy. Paul is a fantastic college prospect & just needs to get 100% healthy. He appears to be growing & is now close to 6’9″. Several other players in DC DMV have incurred knee pain due to growth spurts & we pray Paul heals in the near future.
https://prephoops.com/2017/06/recruiting-report-2020-paul-smith/
#4 Markanthony Fidelis, 6’1″ CG, 2018. Markanthony played very well in the preseason & this December. He can really shoot from 3 & score in the mid range. Markanthony can explode at the rim & in the preseason converted several great dunks. He is a strong defender & excellent prospect at the next level. Markanthony is in the DeMatha rotation & he has been very productive this season. We will be watching Markanthony very close this season & will update his Recruiting Report in early 2018. Please read Markanhtony’s Recruiting Report in the link below:
https://prephoops.com/2017/11/recruiting-report-2018-markanthony-fidelis/
#23, Brayon Freeman, 6’0″, PG, 2021. Brayon is on the top freshmen in the DC DMV. He excels at breaking down his defender off the dribble getting in the lane to score & facilitate. Brayon has played in most of the DeMatha games this season. He could team up with fellow freshmen Jaylen Hall to form a DeMatha starting back court in the future. Please read our Prospect Highlight for Brayon in the link below:
https://prephoops.com/2017/11/prospect-spotlight-2021-brayon-freeman/
#3 Bobby Carson, 6’6″, G, 2019. Bobby has a tremendous wingspan in addition to great upside. He excels in slashing to the rim & defending. This season or next Bobby will breakout on the recruiting scene. Bobby is one of several DeMatha players who are some of the most intriguing prospects in the MD/DC & DC DMV. Bobby has 2 brothers who play for DeMatha (Malik &
https://prephoops.com/2017/07/prospect-spotlight-2019-bobby-carson/
#15 Xavier Mabry, 6’4″, CG, 2018. I rated Xavier as one of the top sleepers in the DMV. He is another DeMatha player with a great upside. I scouted Xavier in the preseason & was very impressed with his skill set, ability to score from all levels & defend. He has a great passion for basketball & is a fantastic team player. I will be scouting Xavier at DeMatha early in 2018 when the team arrives home from the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina.
https://prephoops.com/2017/11/recruiting-report-2018-xavier-marbry/