Festival Preview: Reports of DeMatha’s Demise Exaggerated

Ron Bailey, Publisher

November 28, 2007 – Last season, DeMatha Catholic High School finished the season 32-6 and being considered one of the most highly regarded high school teams in the land, while boasting a senior class now playing at the likes of Georgetown, Clemson, Iowa, George Mason, and other schools. To say that team was packed with talent is like saying the sun is hot – not only obvious, but an understatement.

In 2007-2008, the Stags are much younger and incorporating major new personnel pieces, a reality that has led many Capital Region high school hoops observers to declare them not only rebuilding, but possibly in trouble, given their hyper-competitive league (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference), and ambitious out of conference schedule.

Not so fast, says the team’s coach, Mike Jones.

“Not to compare us to anybody but ourselves, a lot of people will say we are young” noted the coach, when asked to comment on where he thought his charges are in terms of development. “To me, that screams growth potential…We are going to get a whole lot better over the course of the year”.

DeMatha's Naji Hibbert (shooting) and Marcus Rouse, in preseason action.

Jones declined to specifically identify his team’s impact players, stating instead “With the WCAC changing rules, we are going to guys bouncing back and forth between varsity and junior varsity”. He then provided an example of such roster flux using his young slate of frontcourt players as an example, saying “We could use five different big men in 10 different games”. Consequently, Jones believes “It wouldn’t be fair” to note individuals he believes will standout, before the season starts.

Based upon preseason action, there are several players that come to mind which will certainly be in the mix for major minutes and impact.

To start, DeMatha’s new Baltimore duo, 6’5” junior guard/forward Naji Hibbert and 6’2” sophomore guard Josh Selby will make themselves known; Naji has played multiple positions before the season starts, rebounding, passing, and scoring from all over the court, while his fellow newcomer and Charm City native Selby has brought an irrepressibility and high level of ‘scoreability’ that stands out.

Add to their contributions to that of a pair of 6’1” junior guards, Phillip Green and Marcus Rouse: Green is a deadly outside shooter who exhibits toughness, while Rouse, also willing to play hard and mix it up, provides good slashing and defense. Both are capable of making plays for others.

Not to be undone will be freshman Quinn Cook, a 5’11” guard that can startle onlookers with his ability to score and pass in a manner that exceeds what most players his age are capable of. The ‘X’ factors will be the team’s stable of young frontcourt players, including the likely return of highly recruited 6’4” football standout Kenny Tate.

Jones’ roster will be tested early and often, not only in the National High School Hoops Festival - an event he feels is "big for the area" and creates a sense of excitment in him where Towson Catholic will be faced - but also in other out of conference action. That includes a match up with D.C. inner high upstart Coolidge, and four out of state tournaments.

Is the head Stag concerned his young crew won’t be up to the task? In a word, no.

“It’s as tough as it should be” opined Jones of his team’s schedule, that of course also includes the WCAC, a league his team won the past three years straight, and as such many member institutions want revenge. “We are going to challenge our guys”.

It would appear things change, yet remain the same at DeMatha – talented players, led by excellent coaches, who demand much of the team.

Count the Stags out at your own peril.