Each coach emphasizes preparation, respect, fair play and teamwork on the playing field and the importance of academic success and growth in the classroom. Also won an NCAA 400m title at Georgia Tech. The basketball culture in this area is second to none, Jones said. Ive reached out to every last one of those guys to express how proud I was of them and their commitment and their success. [7], During his coaching career at DeMatha, located just two miles (3km) away from his alma mater, he received job offers from North Carolina State,[12] Georgetown, and American, as well as interest from Duke, Wake Forest, and Virginia. Jeff Allen is a professional basketball player. Division regular season champion The shot bounced off the back of the rim and the Cadets celebration was on, one year after St. Johns finished with a .500 record. We had lot of balance, and we rebounded well. Now its pretty much like: F yall. I could not be more excited and ready to pour everything I have into that basketball program.. Derek Mills, Track, 1990 One of three DeMatha grads to earn an Olympic gold medal. St. Johns boys basketball team improved to 29-2 and were paced by Davis (21 points), Donovan Freeman (16 points), Mack (15 points), Raymond Watts (seven points), Timothy Barton (four points) and Devin Toatley (two points). Then, with merely two seconds remaining, the Panthers inbounded again from 70 feet away. Friday marks the 50 th anniversary of the most famous high school basketball game in Washington area history. Kings, Bernard Williams 65 San Diego Rockets. This article was published more than1 year ago. A 6'7" small forward out of DeMatha High School, Branch starred at the University of Maryland from 1981 to 1985. DeMatha basketball coach Mike Jones is leaving the program after 19 seasons to take a job at Virginia Tech, the schools announced Monday. This spring, he has served as the coach for the under-16 national team. He is a DeMatha alumnus who played for Wootten before starring at the University of Pittsburgh. But the move signals something larger, several parents and alumni said: that even amid a nationwide push for more diversity in leadership in sports but also in politics, media, entertainment and other industries DeMatha officials couldnt see the value of giving one of its current Black assistants a chance. In October 2012, Jones was named a Distinguished Alumnus at ODU and in 2017 was inducted into the DeMatha Hall of Fame. Wootten was named Coach of the 20th Century and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000. Student-athletes play and work to their potential. Were happy with that.. The move upset not just Smith but many of the programs parents, other alumni and other stakeholders, according to interviews with a dozen people in and around the storied basketball team. St. Johns knocked down one trey, 16 buckets and 13 free throws for their 48 points. With 1:06 remaining, Paul VIs Patrick Ngongba converted a putback basket, and the Panthers led 62-60. And she doesnt owe it to anyone to keep trying not her sponsors, not her fans and not the game. Read Candace Buckner on Naomi Osaka. Frazier is now an assistant at Illinois, his alma mater. St. Johns head coach Patrick Behan elected to not call a timeout with approximately 10 seconds remaining, and shouted to his junior guard, Go!. The WCAC playoffs are over for the Stags after their loss in the semi-finals to PVI, 72-70. What the hell have I been out here doing, and what am I a part of? Player Pos HT WT Birth City Birth Date HS Grad Draft Year College Current Team; Desmond Adedeji: FC: 6-10: 305: Landover Hills, MD: Jan 13, 1987: 2005: 2010: Stony Brook-Derek Ahern: C: 6-11: 260 . Im not going to try and learn all of the handshakes, but I am who I am., The dearth of black coaches in the NFL is a problem that somehow still hasnt been fixed. According to those in attendance, he handled himself admirably. I have had the privilege of watching Mike over the years and have continually been impressed with his ability to teach the game of basketball and mentor players, Young said in a news release. St. Johns College High School in Washington, D.C., celebrated twin triumphs on Feb. 27 at American Universitys Bender Arena, as St. Johns Cadets girls and boys basketball teams both netted Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship wins. Its allowed me to walk around the last 19 years and pound my chest and be a proud DeMatha alum.. Most of the people who spoke to The Washington Post were vehement that their problems werent with Strickland or McGregor, the football coach. [2] The way Strickland saw it, the meeting turned with the words of Jerrod Mustaf, a DeMatha alum who played in the NBA and whose son plays for the team now. Cook is a professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. Over a seven season period, Peterson rose from intern to General Manager with the Atlanta Hawks before taking on his current role as Assistant GM with the Brooklyn Nets. "[4], Sports Illustrated recognized DeMatha as the #2 high school athletic program in the United States in 2005,[5] and again in 2007.[6]. It was clear from the start that DeMatha had an agenda, Smith said. And really its about being there when they need you. Keith Bogans, Basketball, 1999 Four-year starter and SEC player of year at Kentucky in 2003. Five of his former players are in the NBA, including 2017 No. People on this list must have gone to DeMatha Catholic High School and be of some renown. Director of Player Development Portland Trailblazer, Rod Balanis 88 During his time at Florida State, the team won the ACC championship, which was the first time in school history, and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The victory, in front of a sold-out crowd at Marylands Cole Field House, broke Powers 71 game winning streak and is considered one of the most legendary high school basketball games in scholastic history. With :48 remaining, Mack knocked down a trey for the Cadets, and St. Johns led 63-62. Whoever takes the position will be just the schools third coach since 1956. On top of being one of the best basketball teams in the Washington, DC area, the school has won six national championships. Former NBA as a sideline reporter for Turner Sports (TNT). Mississippi State University Minnesota Timberwolves, Jarius Lyles 13 DeMathas administration needed to keep the continuity together moving forward and felt that Coach was the best choice to do that, said Blakeney, who was teammates with Jones, Veney and DeMatha assistant Kevin Cromer. [11] Wootten was one of the founders of the McDonald's All-American Game, whose annual player of the year award is named in his honor. [14], Joe became a basketball coach at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia. Two Black coaches at the two most visible programs? From Ernie Cage '58 and Adrian Dantley '73 to Victor Oladipo '10, Markelle Fultz '16 and Justin Moore '19, there have been many All-Americans who have played at DeMatha. I dont see how anyone would think that was fair.. Had a 14-year pro career and now is general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers. And I plan, as long as Im coaching, to get guys from this area to come and play with me.. Given the talent on its roster Tyrell Ward and Rodney Rice are two of the top-rated college prospects in the class of 2022, and Jacoi Hutchinson is a highly touted rising junior DeMatha also had to worry about other schools trying to lure players away amid uncertainty. It wouldve made a little bit more sense if, when he came in, [Strickland] didnt have an interim tag. John's College High School) In the nightcap, St. John's boys' basketball team held off nationally ranked Paul VI, 65-63, to claim the 2022-23 WCAC basketball title. Records and information is as of 12 p.m. on Friday. Named after John of Matha, DeMatha is under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and is a member of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. DeMatha's 1965 victory over Power Memorial was the "foundation" of "something beautiful" 8 years ago BY CHRIS MCMANES Morgan Wootten won 88 percent of the basketball games he coached at DeMatha Catholic High School from 1956 to 2002. Chase Young, star defensive end for the Washington Football Team, is among many DeMatha graduates to reach the NFL. He played at Iowa and Arkansas before attending Florida State. Leonard Smiths fondest memory from his time at DeMatha Catholic High was sitting in the office of the schools legendary coach, Morgan Wootten, and watching him pick up the phone to secure Smith a scholarship, from a school that had never recruited him, strictly on the strength of Woottens word. Joshua Wilson (born March 11, 1985) is a former American football cornerback. Jones played professionally in the United States, Europe, and in Asia. Early on, with plenty of media and plenty of college scouts on hand, Paul VI, coached by Glenn Farello, led 10-2. Jones estimates he has been offered at least one college opportunity in each of the past 15 years. The basketball program and DeMatha's proud athletic reputation owe a lot to the late Morgan Wootten, who was the varsity head coach for 46 seasons and won 1,274 games. Justin Moore DeMatha coaches also holdsummer campsfor young athletes of all ages and coaching clinics throughout the year to share their successful techniques. I said: Guys, were going to figure out how to come together before maybe were ready to come together. I love them so much, and I love DeMatha so much. In addition to his coaching duties at DeMatha, Jones taught at the Hyattsville school and has been involved with USA Basketball since 2004. But he went on to win 511 games, a 2006 national title and eight Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championships. Most of the assistants played at DeMatha, either for Wootten or Jones. In the nightcap, St. Johns boys basketball team held off nationally ranked Paul VI, 65-63, to claim the 2022-23 WCAC basketball title. DeMatha Catholic competes in the highly competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and play other private schools in the Archdiocese of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia; such as Archbishop Carroll, Bishop Ireton, Bishop McNamara, Bishop O'Connell, Good Counsel, Gonzaga, Paul VI, St. John's College, and St. Mary's Blakeney, who is Black, compares the transition to the one unfolding at his college alma mater, Duke, which announced a plan to have Jon Scheyer as coach-in-waiting for the retiring Hall of Fame legend, Mike Krzyzewski. It was the 500th win of Joness head coaching career. They got less pay for better work. Read Sally Jenkins on the USWNT settlement with U.S. Soccer. 30 for 30: Survive and Advance, Jonathon Hock, ESPN 2013, television. We have worked so hard for this moment we wanted this so bad for coach B who has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), said St. Johns player Timothy Barton afterwards, acknowledging the teams respect for its coach, Patrick Behan. The St. John's players at right are Ava O'Neal (#3) and Carolae Barton. Head Coach Riverdale Baptist HS, Frank Oliver 96 Plays football for UMass March Madness for me is no competition for the real madness that, while overseas this time, seems oh so close. Read Kevin B. Blackistone on the war in Ukraine. Theyre just waiting for it blow over. Mustaf played under Strickland when he was Woottens assistant, and Strickland, who taught English, was Mustafs favorite teacher. We are very aware that the individuals we hire play a significant role in the life of the school, and we want to be sure, whoever we hire, we take everything into account, Day said. The lady Cadets improved to 25-6 on the season - one year after defeating Bishop McNamara High School of Forestville, Maryland, for the 2021-22 title. At least they hired a coach. But they brought him in, and he was an interim. Miami Heat, Charles Whitney 76 On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. But even Mustaf said he is disturbed by how Strickland got the job and that none of the people behind the decision attended the meeting with parents. Then in the WCAC boys basketball semifinal games, St. Johns edged Gonzaga, 54-53; and Paul VI edged DeMatha, 72-70. Head Coach Howard University, Marshall Cho To Smith and others, these high-profile moves suggest a pattern of bias and discomfort with Black leadership. At least four of Joness assistants have committed to staying through next season, Strickland said, and he plans to give others the time they need to come to a decision. He attended high school at DeMatha Catholic High School, and later graduated from Harvard University with a degree in American Government. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. I stand in awe of him. Currently head coach at N.C. State after twice coaching NBA teams. Talk about goose bumps when he stood up, Strickland said. Jordan Hawkins The Cadets football team trailed DeMatha 3-0 at halftime, but a 10-yard fourth quarter touchdown pass from Myles Slade to Asa Gregg proved to be the game winner, as the Cadets prevailed 7-3. Wootten and his son both led one of the largest camps in the United States , Coach Wootten's Basketball Camp, held in Frostburg, Maryland at Frostburg State University and at Bishop O'Connell High School. I knew every time I walked into those DeMatha doors, it was always a place of love and unity. Nate Darling (2016) is a professional basketball player who plays for the Charlotte Hornets and played collegiately at the University of Delaware. In 46 seasons as the head coach of DeMatha basketball, he won five high school national championships, 22 Washington, DC titles, and 33 WCAC championships. Given that history, Day said, the school should get some benefit of the doubt. He led the Stags to five national championships and 33 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) titles. Strickland checked several boxes. Head Coach Lake Oswego HS (OR), Perry Clark 70 They criticize a lack of transparency in the hiring process especially after that process led the administration to overlook all 10 of Joness assistant coaches, most of whom are Black, choosing instead a 64-year-old White man who hasnt coached since he directed Irelands national team three years ago. Twice a Tewaaraton Award finalist for college player of year. Strickland, in an interview, admitted that the first hour was heated as parents peppered him with questions. Assistant Coach University of Notre Dame, Kenny Blakeney 90 When Jones left, we were caught off guard completely, Day said, adding that he and principal Dan McMahon needed to act swiftly to provide some stability. They know people are mad, but theyre not touching it, said Smith, who has friends on the coaching staff. Assistant Coach Louisville, James Robinson 12 Has gone on to a distinguished broadcasting career with FOX and CBS. University of Connecticut (UConn) [13][14][15], In 1996, Wootten nearly died because of a malfunctioning liver and was quickly rushed to the hospital for a liver transplant. Head Coach Irish National Team, Dereck Whittenburg 79 Right now, I cant look at DeMatha that way. Stricklands wife, Mary, is also a faculty member. He was an All-ACC second team selection twice. And to not even have a conversation with those guys before you bring in a quote-unquote interim I think thats kind of distasteful because all of those guys are qualified, if nothing else, to be an interim coach until you figure out who you want to bring in. Orlando Magic, Jerami Grant 12 Bryson Hill Bowser, Cole ( So.) Virginia Tech Then in the WCAC girls basketball semifinal games, St. Johns defeated Good Counsel, 67-34; and Paul VI edged Bishop McNamara, 53-52, toppling the undefeated Mustangs. Mike Jones and his DeMatha Squads won an impressive 500 games (and only 121 loses). Its confusing to me, said Keith Stevens, director of an AAU program, Team Takeover, that has long attracted and trained top DeMatha players, including NBA all-star Victor Oladipo and Detroit Piston Jerami Grant. He learned more from the losses than the wins. Jones will be an associate head coach for the Hokies under Mike Young. Todd Beckerman, Wrestling, 1996 A legendary prep career with a record of 208-1 the only loss coming during his freshman year. [Strickland] is an . Sidwell Friends (25-4) - Last week: 3. Williams was a shooting guard much like Maurice, a dive-on-the-ball player known for his defense. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. Assistant Coach Washington Wizards, Travis Lyons 94 Coming off a challenging, pandemic-condensed season, some found out about Strickland on social media. 2020 Graduates: Hunter Dickinson University of Michigan, Paul Smith Mississippi State University, Earl Timberlake Bryant University. He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland and attended Gonzaga College High School and Montgomery Blair High School, from which he graduated in 1950. The Commanders used the franchise tag on Daron Payne. More than a dozen of Wootten's players went on to play in the NBA, including Adrian Dantley and Danny Ferry. 2. Were going to do what were going do, and yall just go play basketball and shut up.. 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Moments later, as the third quarter concluded, the team from Military Road led 36-24. Utah Jazz, Jerrod Mustaf 88 Jones said he made the final decision with his wife Monday morning. One Black former DeMatha player suggested that hiring Strickland, on the heels of McGregor, signals the desire of the administration to reset the culture and return to the days when Wootten would leave victories and head over to Ledo in College Park and draw up Xs and Os over some pizza and Miller Lite.