DeMatha took the No. 14 spot in the USA Today Preseason Rankings that came out on Nov. 3.
Last season, the Stags went 32-5 and were runner-up for the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title for the fourth time in the last five seasons. Despite not having Markelle Fultz and Nate Darling, the Stags still has a squad good enough to be one of the top teams in the area.
Four-star guard and Notre Dame commit is coming off a season where he averaged 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court will be a major factor in the Stags success this year.
Delaware bound Ryan Allen, who tallied nine points per game, is likely to run the point guard position. 6-foot-9 center Josh Carlton is another returning player who can make an impact on the defense.
Expect sophomore guard Justin Moore to have a bigger role after being a solid bench player last season. Freshman center Hunter Dickinson is someone to look out for as he is getting looks from Division I schools already.
La Lumiere is the top team in the preseason rankings. Last season, they fell to Oak Hill in the Dicks National Championship. Five-star Brian Bowen and sophomore guard Tyger Campbell should be able to help La Lumiere make it back to Madison Square Garden for a second straight time.
IMG Academy took the fourth spot in the rankings. Transfers Trevon DuVal and Bruno Fernando makes IMG a team to beat. Chino Hills sits at No. 12 despite going 35-0 last year. Even though Chino Hills won’t have Lonzo Ball, this team is still capable enough to move up in the rankings.
Below are the rest of the USA Today Preseason Rankings.
1. La Lumiere
2. Oak Hill Academy
3. Sierra Canyon
4. IMG Academy
5. Bishop Montgomery
6. Montverde Academy
7. Findlay Prep
8. Marietta
9. Mater Dei
10. Patrick School
11. Westtown
12. Chino Hills
13. Memphis East
14. DeMatha Catholic HS
15. Wasatch Academy
16. Gray Collegiate
17. St. Benedict’s Prep
18. New Albany (Ind.)
19. Hudson Catholic
20. Wesleyan Christian Academy
21. Bishop Gorman
22. Nathan Hale
23. Westlake (Austin, Tex.)
24. Simeon
25. Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia)
Inside The Locker Room 