DeMatha takes Carroll in quarters

Ron Bailey, Publisher

The Stags come back to win.

February 26, 2011 - Things were going swimmingly well for Archbishop Carroll (DC) and their coach, Reggie Williams, as the Lions were up 24-11, with 1:43 remaining in the second quarter of their Washington Catholic Athletic Conference quarterfinal playoff matchup, with DeMatha. It would seem an upset was in the making, as the home standing Stags were fifth in the league, Carroll eighth.

Unfortunately for Williams et al, DeMatha would go on a 16-2 run over approximately the next six minutes of game action, allowing DeMatha to take a 27-26 lead, one that would never be relinquished. Three factors contributed to their eventual 54-46 win.

Anya pounding the rim after a nice high-low set with Hopkins in the second half.

First was increased effectiveness inside: When losing DeMatha's frontcourt players were tentative. During the comeback, they were, well, dominant. The combination of senior Mikael Hopkins and sophomore Beejay Anya, finishing with 16 and 10 points respectively, were able to score against Carroll's 1-3-1 and 2-3 zones via high-low sets and stick-backs.

"In the first half me and Beejay weren't finishing around the basket, so when we got in the locker room, Coach (Mike) Jones (head Stag) yelled at us a little bit" recounted Hopkins. "We came out more focused in the second half, going up strong and finishing plays".

Williams noted DeMatha's inside play in the second half, and added "I thought we could have got away with it, but had some bad shots (quick shots)", thereby dooming his team. Latter the first year head Lion summed "We've been battling but haven't been closing out" all season.

Early on Carroll's guards were successful pushing the tempo, getting fast break chances, with seniors Kenny Cherry (16 points) and Kemi Osse (13 points) leading the way. In the second half, DeMatha's defensive pressure was ramped up, creating less flow for Carroll's offense. Though Osse's three pointer with 6:40 to play knotted the score at 36, the Lions never really matched their first half success.

Sealing the deal were free throws made by DeMatha: With the score standing just 46-42 with a minute thirty in regulation, after two charity stripe attempts by Cherry, The Stags' junior guard James Robinson (nine points) went 4-4 from the free throw line, Hopkins 2-2.

Next up for DeMatha, (24-7, 10-2) is a mega, WCAC semifinal battle with Paul VI (VA), tomorrow at 4:30p. McNamara (MD) tips off against Gonzaga (DC) in the other semifinal at 6:15p. Both games take place at American University.

Carroll (11-17, 5-12) has completed its season.