DeMatha continues success over holiday break

For most, the Christmas season was all about opening presents, drinking eggnog, and expressing holiday cheer. But for the DeMatha basketball team, their Christmas break was more than that. DeMatha hit the road and continued to show why they are one of the best programs in the country .
To kick off a holiday filled with basketball, DeMatha played in the first ever Victor Oladipo Christmas Festival. In the first game of the tournament the Stags played Orlando Christian Prep and won 71-43. DeMatha was lead by Jaelin Grant who finished the game with 15 points.
In the semi-finals of the tournament, DeMatha took on Dr. Phillips and won by the final score of 62-55. The win over Dr. Philips led the Stags to a championship game against West Oaks.
According to Capitol Hoops Marc Stern, DeMatha’s head coach Mike Jones was a little worried about playing against West Oaks. “West Oaks has grown men on their team, its going to be interesting. Their big, they’re strong, they can shoot, they can run, they can defend, they’ll be a really, really good test for us,” Coach Jones said.
In that championship game, DeMatha dominated West Oaks throughout the game especially in the third quarter where the Stags outscored West Oaks 28-9. DeMatha became the first ever champions of the Victor Oladipo Christmas Hoops Festival by beating West Oaks 76-51. Sophomore DJ Harvey, pulled off an amazing performance in the championship game. DJ had 24 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assist, one block, and walked away as the tournament’s MVP.
DeMatha kicked the New Year off by heading across the country to Arizona to play in two games. The first game was against the No. 18 school in the country, Sierra Canyon. Sierra Canyon sophomore Cody Riley led the team with 22 points and 8 rebounds and helped his team beat DeMatha 65-60.
DeMatha bounced back from their lost against Sierra Canyon and beat Shadow Mountain 94-58. Before departing Arizona and heading back home, DeMatha’s junior Markelle Fultz received an offer from the University of Arizona. Now Markelle and DJ are under Arizona’s radar.
Despite focusing on basketball, the team took a little time and saw former DeMatha basketball players Victor Oladipo and Jerami Grant while catching some NBA action.
DeMatha was successful over the holiday and they look to continue their success moving forward into the New Year.