Once again, I was lucky enough to take a trip out to DeMatha Catholic. The prestige and excellence of the program is like none other. The championships date all the way back to the 70’s when the team starred Sidney Lowe and Derrick Whittenberg, who then went on to win a national championship with legendary coach Jim Valvano, also known as JimmyV. But before they played for a legendary coach at NC State, they were able to play for someone who is often regarded as the greatest high school coach of all time, Morgan Wootten. Wootten put DeMatha on the map, and built the foundation for what the program is today. He also mentored the person who keeps the engine running today, head coach Mike Jones. Coach Wootten was able to help lead Jones and the rest of the 1991 Stags to a city championship over Dunbar, a moment that Jones says he still reminisces about to this day. Coach Jones knows what it takes to win, and what it takes to coach winners, which will be key for DeMatha’s success this year. The team is adjusting to not having the senior starpower they are used to, no one on this year’s squad posses the leadership qualities of Markelle Fultz and DJ Harvey. Therefore, a lot of this young team’s success will be based on how they respond to Jones. This is a young team, but do not underestimate the talent, this squad is filled with superstars. Here are some kids I think you should keep an eye on this season and in the future:
Hunter Dickinson (Class of 2020)
The seven foot center was by far the most dominant player in the gym when I was there. Despite being just a sophomore, Dickinson already possesses D1 if not NBA size, but I’m most impressed by his overall skill set. Over the years he has not only learned how to control his body, but he has also found ways to use his height for things other than grabbing rebounds and shooting post hooks. The five star center uses his height and basketball IQ to become a lethal passer out of the post, and will make defenses pay every time when they bring the double in the post. He also developed a very consistent mid range jumper that he is almost always able to shoot over his defender. Dickinson is definitely one of the top players in 2020 and should be a cornerstone for DeMatha’s success this year.
Brayon Freeman (Class of 2021)
The freshman, SwaggyB, was the player I was most impressed with from this open gym. I had the luxury of playing against Freeman since the fifth grade, and I knew he was a cold blooded scorer, so I was very eager to see how he fared against top competition. And, he completely blew me away. Not only was he giving upperclassman buckets with ease, he has completely elevated his game and became a floor general. While watching Freeman, it reminded me a little of Lamelo Ball (relax for a second). SwaggyB definitely doesn’t take the ridiculous shots that Melo takes, but they remind me of each other in the sense their basketball IQ gets lost in their flashy play. I’m all for Freeman’s flashy play, I think it’s awesome. But, some people aren’t able to read into his game enough, which is a shame, because they are missing out. Sometimes the only way to get the right pass through is to go behind the back, and sometimes the only way to finish around the defender is to jelly. Freeman understands that, has those moves in his arsenal, and is confident enough to use them. Not many players have the combination of being confident enough to do them, and talented enough to execute them. But, Freeman is one of those guys.
Earl Timberlake (Class of 2020)
The former Rock Creek Christian star is new to the DeMatha program, but is already making his mark. Timberlake already has the size of a college 3, listed at 6’5 180, not to mention that he was also one of the fastest players on the court. He was extremely patient in letting the offense come to him, and when he got his chance, he capitalized. The top 50 recruit showed he isn’t just a slasher by hitting multiple contested jumpers off the dribble. He excelled at creating his own looks off the dribble, especially with his Kemba Walker- like step back, which he used to create space on multiple occasions. He told me that he models his game after Russell Westbrook, and even though he isn’t listed as a point guard, I clearly see the comparison. Timberlake loves to get up and down the court at a fast pace, and is a ferocious defender. He also plays above the rim with dunks on the offensive end and spiking the ball of the glass as if he were a volleyball player on the defensive end. Look out for Timberlake to be a big contributor for the Stags over the next three years.
Jahmir Young (Class of 2019)
Young is another late transfer that will come in big for DeMatha this year. The former St. Mary’s Ryken guard was in full command and really impressed me as a point guard. I was most impressed with how in control he was–he played point guard the entire open gym and I can’t recall one turnover. But, don’t think he was holding back. He was very aggressive coming off picks and in transition, while maintaining control. Young found a great balance with facilitating and scoring, and that isn’t always easy for a point guard. He also made everyone’s jaw drop when he took the tip from Dickinson in stride, with no dribbles, and cocked it all the way behind is head. Although it went in and out, he definitely turned a lot of heads in that gym. I expect Young to be a consistent contributor for DeMatha this season.
Justin Moore (Class of 2019)
Although Moore is out right now, you can’t mention DeMatha without Justin Moore. The Stags’ most highly touted recruit is coming off an injury that kept him out all summer, but he’s fully recovered and ready to back his hype.
This season will be an interesting one for DeMatha, as Coach Jones told me that there are a lot of new faces. New faces and young talent often mean growing pains for a team. But, it’s a long season and with Coach Jones’ leadership, I have no doubt they will be a top contender in the WCAC.