WCAC Summertime Grudge Match Up: DeMatha Upends Gonzaga!

Ron Bailey, Publisher

July 30, 2007 – Followers of Washington, D.C. area high school sports have long followed the Washington Catholic Athletic Association feud between Gonzaga and DeMatha. Though the setting this time around is summer hoops and the Jabbo Kenner League Championship – whenever, however, and in whatever these two schools compete in engenders great passion – as to be expected the contest was heated, with DeMatha enjoying a 54-53 buzzer beating victory, at Georgetown University’s McDonough Arena.

DeMatha sophomore and recent transfer Josh Selby (12 points) won the game for the Stags, taking the ball left of the top of the key with six seconds left, driving hard, and putting up a runner that tickled the twine as time expired. According to DeMatha assistant coach Reggie Veney, the plan was for Selby “was to get it and go to the basket” if the opportunity presented itself.

Josh, an offensive dynamo well mature beyond his years, welcomes such opportunities. “I just made it” said the young guard, before commenting “To be honest, I just prayed for help t make the shot” when asked to share his thought process before the big shot.

Adding to the pressure on Selby was Gonzaga, not ten seconds earlier, enjoyed their own runner, provided by sophomore Tyler Thornton (16 points). Said Tyler after the contest “It was a good game, but I’m mad it came out like that”.

He was also of like mind with Gonzaga’s coach, Steve Turner, that despite the lost creating a singular blemish on his team’s previous 35-0 record, future benefits could accrue. “I agree, this is totally a good wake up call” noted Thornton, a total back court performer, of his team being able to learn from the defeat, before adding dejectedly, “It’s too bad it had to happen in this game”.

Joshua Selby (11), with uncles and trainer, Terrell Woodley (back left).

One of those lessons could be making sure their transition defense disallows teams such as DeMatha who will live and die off of fast breaks – transition chances: To start the second half, down 30-22, the Stags went on a pivotal 12-2 run, fed in part by junior guard Najee Hibbert’s (22 points) rebounding and scoring. DeMatha’s 1-3-1 three quarter press also added to Gonzaga’s woes.

Both issues were acknowledged by Thornton, who first stated “We let them come out and get in transition”. He also honestly admitted the pressure “bothered” his team, and as a true team leader put the responsibility of settling the team down on his own shoulders.

Hibbert, a taller guard that can do many things on the court and is himself a transfer, also commented thoughtfully on his rebounding and his team’s motivation. “I just try and get position” first said Najee of his penchant for snagging boards. Having heard the criticism “that we weren’t that good”, Hibbert stated he and his mates “wanted to beat them and show we can play with everybody in the league”.

The coaches of both teams’ think the game was something to build upon for the upcoming season.

Gonzaga’s Turner’s expected the game to be what it was, the continuation of the Eagle-Stag feud. “That’s the way you want it…they earned it”.

What exactly did he discuss with his team after the game? “I told them you don’t want to feel like this after the end of the regular season. You don’t want to lose your last game”.

DeMatha’s Veney thinks the Stags are coming around in an important area. “From the first game until now, we are getting a lot better defensively” noted one of the team’s valued assistants to head coach Mike Jones. “At first we were not very good at all. Right now, were good, and have to continue getting better. We k now to be good, we have to defend well”.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Two DeMatha and Gonzaga squads, playing well and with intensity in the summer, yet willing to improve in preparation for the WCAC wars is nothing new. It’s what they do, and do well.