What the hell have I been out here doing, and what am I a part of? DeMatha replaced Mike Jones, pictured here, with a White interim coach . His teams have won national titles and several conference titles in that time span as they play in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. 30 for 30: Survive and Advance, Jonathon Hock, ESPN 2013, television. Strickland said the meeting ended with many of the parents shaking his hand. Coming off a challenging, pandemic-condensed season, some found out about Strickland on social media. He won eight Washington Catholic Athletic Conference titles and has a record of 511-119. He is a DeMatha alumnus who played for Wootten before starring at the University of Pittsburgh. Bob Whitmore, Basketball, 1965 Keyed upset of Power Memorial and star center Lew Alcindor -- later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -- at Cole Field House. WCAC boys basketball Coach of the Year: St. Johns Patrick Behan. Orlando Magic, Jerami Grant 12 With 1:06 remaining, Paul VIs Patrick Ngongba converted a putback basket, and the Panthers led 62-60. John Auston 62 Associate AD NC State, Joe Wootten 91 Dickinson (right) with DeMatha Catholic in 2020 Dickinson attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. Early on, with plenty of media and plenty of college scouts on hand, Paul VI, coached by Glenn Farello, led 10-2. Sidney Lowe, Basketball, 1979 Along with DeMatha teammate Dereck Whittenburg, led North Carolina State to the 1983 NCAA title. Volunteer Roster last updated on Mar 2, 2023 @ 2:34pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster He had two perfect seasons, the first coming in 1977-78 (28-0) and the other in 1990-91 (30-0). DeMatha coaches also holdsummer campsfor young athletes of all ages and coaching clinics throughout the year to share their successful techniques. 2021 Graduates Elijah Hawkins The Howard University, Jordan Hawkins University of Connecticut (UConn), Will Reynolds Grambling University. I dont see how anyone would think that was fair.. DeMatha has long been recognized as one of the elite academic institutions in suburban Washington. University of Delaware, Heath Schroyer 90 As second edition of the book was published in 2003, and a third edition in 2012, co-authored with Joe Wootten. The Howard University One fact, in particular, overwhelmed the conversation: that none of Joness assistants were even considered, let alone consulted about the schools plans. Assistant Coach University of Notre Dame, Kenny Blakeney 90 Day said inclusion will factor in the decision, pointing to the recent hiring of Shaka Dickerson, who is Black, as dean of students. No point passing gun control if you don't prosecute gun crimes. Five of his former players are in the NBA, including 2017 No. Whos lying here? Then, with merely two seconds remaining, the Panthers inbounded again from 70 feet away. James Brown, Basketball, 1969 A three-time All-Ivy League pick and team captain at Harvard. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz, and a slew of successful coaches at every level. The school has become the breeding ground for well-known players like Rajon Rondo, Quinn Cook, Brandon Jennings, Josh Smith, Jerry Stackhouse, and Ty Lawson. . Student-athletes play and work to their potential. BLACKSBURG Mike Jones, the head coach at DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland since 2002-03 and a 22-time USA Basketball coach, has been named associate head coach of the Virginia Tech men's basketball team, head coach Mike Young announced Monday. I knew every time I walked into those DeMatha doors, it was always a place of love and unity. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils. Then Daquan Davis generated the game winner for the Cadets in the waning seconds. It was the 500th win of Joness head coaching career. Division regular season champion He transitioned to a basketball career off the court when he was presented with an opportunity with the Atlanta Hawks to be an intern, a seasonal assistant. 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. 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. On top of being one of the best basketball teams in the Washington, DC area, the school has won six national championships. Kings, Bernard Williams 65 San Diego Rockets. Stricklands wife, Mary, is also a faculty member. To Smith and others, these high-profile moves suggest a pattern of bias and discomfort with Black leadership. Mike Jones '91 successfully followed up a legend by making his own legendary path by amassing over 500 wins in 19 seasons, and eight WCAC Championships, and he himself played under Morgan and was a key member of the 1991 squad that went undefeated at 30-0. Times have changed. At hoops power DeMatha, a coaching change stirs a painful debate about race. Anytime there is an interim tag, you dont bring someone from outside the organization, said one member of last years staff, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preserve his job prospects. In 46 seasons as the head coach of DeMatha basketball, he won five high school national championships, 22 Washington, D.C. titles, and 33 WCAC championships. (Photo by Larry French/St. Became a two-time All-America at Nebraska. In terms of basketball and teaching, I can vouch for him. Currently head coach at N.C. State after twice coaching NBA teams. Morgan Wootten began his career in 1956 at DeMatha Catholic High School. Now David is the Chief writer of the Athletic. Those explanations havent been conveyed, which frustrates some parents, who contend that handling a transition the way DeMatha did 20 years ago isnt acceptable. 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. Strickland has his share of supporters, who tout his ties to the school, passion for the game and considerable experience. St. Johns knocked down one trey, 16 buckets and 13 free throws for their 48 points. Named after John of Matha, DeMatha is under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and is a member of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. They got less pay for better work. Read Sally Jenkins on the USWNT settlement with U.S. Soccer. Another Thomas basket, as well as a bucket by Carolae Barton, gave the Cadets a 6-0 lead on the way to a 12-8 advantage as the first quarter concluded. Brown is currently host of the NFL on Fox pregame show. And Im like, Nah, yall have got to address this. Im willing to do this for the greater good because I know a lot of my guys want to say something but cant.. Conference regular season champion Jones estimates he has been offered at least one college opportunity in each of the past 15 years. At the meeting, Mustaf told the parents that it was the first time in his life that he had read a book by an African American author and that it forever changed him. [Strickland] is an . The 1964-65 Stags varsity basketball team, led by a young coach named Morgan Wootten, upset the seemingly unbeatable Power Memorial (NY) and their senior center Lew Alcindor (later, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). Special Recognition and Acknowledgements: David Aldridge 83 Chief writer of the Athletic., James Brown 69 host of the NFL on Fox pregame show, Quinn Cook Sacramento Kings, Jeff Peterson 07 Assistant GM with the Brooklyn Nets. He has also played for the Dallas Mavericks, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. This past winter, pandemic restrictions limited DeMatha to a condensed schedule without a postseason, and the team finished 11-0. [3], According to the school's website, the music program includes "five concert bands, three choruses, three percussion ensembles, three string orchestras, six levels of music theory, and a History of Rock and Roll class" plus "two jazz ensembles, a pep band for basketball games, a gospel choir, as well as numerous small ensembles. Whitmore played at Notre Dame, where he still ranks 12th all-time in scoring. Jones said he made the final decision with his wife Monday morning. . Now its pretty much like: F yall. We were hoping that the administration wasnt that tone-deaf. He also helped the program uphold its reputation as a Division I talent factory. Brian Westbrook, Football, 1997 Star running back at Villanova, where he won the Walter Payton Award in 2001 as top offensive player in Division I-AA. Once, when Mustaf missed an assignment, Strickland assigned him James Baldwins The Fire Next Time as a makeup lesson. Assistant Coach Louisville, James Robinson 12 At hoops power DeMatha, a coaching change stirs a painful debate about race, Tom Wilson gives Capitals a boost on an otherwise painful night in Anaheim, Bradley Beal hits season high as Wizards fight to the finish in Atlanta, Dylan McIlrath, a fighter in an evolving NHL, looks to stick around with Caps, leaving after 19 years to become associate head coach at Virginia Tech, Kevin B. Blackistone on the war in Ukraine, Sally Jenkins on the USWNT settlement with U.S. Soccer, John Feinstein on Daniel Snyder and the NFL. We dont have an opening in science. DeMatha 70 Paul VI 72 Final Box Score Feb 26, 2023 @ 11:29pm "Virginia Tech is first and foremost getting a great person who not only fits our program, but embodies what our University is about," Young . He most recently worked as athletic director at St. Johns Catholic Prep in Frederick County. On the other hand, a number of schools have sent multiple players to the NBA and are considered basketball powerhouses. Read more about Coach Jones under his bio. Two Black coaches at the two most visible programs? DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) Everyone at St. Johns knows winning., Praising their coach, Delaney Thomas said, Coach Scribner is the best coach I could have ever asked for. Assistant Coach West Virginia, Evan Kee 08 Dantley and legendary coach Morgan Wootten have . The Panthers girls basketball team dropped to 20-10 on the season. Howard University Coach Kenny Blakeney, a DeMatha alum, said he supports placing Strickland in the position on a short-term basis and trusts the school will properly vet the next full-time coach. 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. DeMatha basketball coach Mike Jones, after 511 wins, takes top assistant job at Virginia Tech, Bradley Beal hits season high as Wizards fight to the finish in Atlanta, In his spring training debut, Patrick Corbin finds reasons to believe. Orlando Magic, John Jones 62 [2][6][7] Wootten has the second most wins as a head coach in the history of boys high school basketball, behind Robert Hughes.[8]. He learned more from the losses than the wins. Praising his team, St. Johns coach Behan said, You could really sense from this team that they have been a real family this season.. Morgan Wootten, Mike Jones, Victor Oladipo, Quinn Cook, Jerami Grant, Markelle Fultz, Hunter Dickinson, Justin Moore, Jemari Young, Earl Timberlake. Each coach emphasizes preparation, respect, fair play and teamwork on the playing field and the importance of academic success and growth in the classroom. [16][17], Wootten died January 21, 2020, at his home in Maryland, at the age of 88. Mike Brey, head coach of Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball, also played under Wootten. Strickland, in an interview, admitted that the first hour was heated as parents peppered him with questions. 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. Paul VI knocked down four treys, eight buckets and eight free throws for their 36 points. Office Hours: 7:45am-3:30pm, Copyright 2021 DeMatha Catholic High School, LT ( SEAL ) Brendan Looney ' 99 Convocation Center. The late Coach Morgan Wootten, who was the varsity head coach for 46 seasons and won 1,274 games. But while Osaka Inc. is thriving, Naomi, the woman, is hurting. Items here include everything from Adrian Dantley to Jarrett Jack. That love caught me off guard, Jones said. Part of the 4x400m relay team that captured gold in Atlanta in 1996. Drew Hanlen is the CEO of Pure Sweat and an NBA Strategic Skills Coach & Consultant that counts Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards), Andrew Wiggins (Minnesota Timberwolves), Dwight Howard (Houston. The Debrief: Tim Carney on Chicago mayoral race being about rising crime, The Debrief: Conn Carroll on HHS encouraging illegal child labor. Its at the core of who I am as a person. In the second quarter, St. Johns roared to leads of 18-8 and 21-11 on a basket by Kyndal Walker and a trey by Ava ONeil, before leading 21-17 at intermission. Cook is a professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. Jeff Allen is a professional basketball player. San Antonio Spurs, Joseph Forte 99 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). The basketball culture in this area is second to none, Jones said. Its Make DeMatha Great Again, he said. Boston Celtics, Adrian Branch 81 Won four National Prep titles. It lasted nearly two hours. James Mason University (JMU), Elijah Hawkins Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. I stand in awe of him. Jones announced May 17 that he was leaving after 19 years to become associate head coach at Virginia Tech. It was a great atmosphere in school today getting ready for this game, said Thomas, a senior. 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. 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 . In 1965, Wootten made national headlines when his DeMatha team beat Lew Alcindor's Power Memorial Academy and ended its 71-game winning streak. It wouldve made a little bit more sense if, when he came in, [Strickland] didnt have an interim tag. According to people with knowledge of Joness thinking, Reggie Veney was his preferred choice to step in. The Cadets, coached by veteran Behan (a former Bucknell player), outscored the Panthers 16-9 to trail 19-18 as the first quarter concluded. As ridiculous as it sounds, professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown was once at risk of not making the NBA draft because he was considered "too smart.". [2] His overall record at the time was 1,210 wins and 183 losses. Its like a spit in the face to every Black athlete that put that program on the map. Manchin and Haley at least talk the right way against federal spending, Donald Trump's five-pronged attack plan against Ron DeSantis looks pretty weak, Reporters Notebook: Bidens student loan forgiveness plan in Supreme Court's crosshairs. School Hours: 7am-3:30pm The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference announced its basketball coaches and players of the year. The Stags team is predominantly African American. [33] Head Girls Coach Bishop McNamara HS, Chris Parsons 91Al DeMatha is home to 13 varsity sports, as well as junior varsity and freshman teams. Peterson graduated from DeMatha in 2007. Assistant Coach South Carolina, Ron Everhart 80 Joshua Wilson (born March 11, 1985) is a former American football cornerback. [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. In 1984 Branch led the Terrapins to the ACC Championship. By Michael Lee. Twice a Tewaaraton Award finalist for college player of year. Volunteer Help the coach manage this team. [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. DeMatha was on the national map. On Jan 30, 1965, DeMatha did what many considered impossible - it knocked off New York City's Power Memorial and its star seven-foot center Lew Alcindor, who later became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's all-time leading scorer. Kings, Bernard Williams 65 I said: Guys, were going to figure out how to come together before maybe were ready to come together. The Howard University They know people are mad, but theyre not touching it, said Smith, who has friends on the coaching staff. This spring, he has served as the coach for the under-16 national team. They didnt like that, I dont think. With the game tied 63-63, St. Johns guard Daquan Davis split his defenders and scored off of the glass with his right hand to give the Cadets their eventual lead of 65-63 with 3.8 seconds remaining. Cover StoryA culture of winningRick Snider For Wootten, it's a wonderful viewFalcons challenge Stags, againTop 10 notable DeMatha alumni. In October 2012, Jones was named a Distinguished Alumnus at ODU and in 2017 was inducted into the DeMatha Hall of Fame. In terms of how this whole thing has taken place, I cant, Mustaf said in an interview. He is not anticipating he will get either. I was having an identity crisis. Most of the teams play in the WCAC and play other private schools in the Archdiocese of Washington and Virginia area, such as Gonzaga, Good Counsel, O'Connell, McNamara, and Ireton. The NFL expecting Snyder to stop lying, covering up, blocking and bullying is a little bit like expecting a poisonous cobra not to bite you. K.C. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1956 with degrees in physical education and history. Utah Jazz, Jerrod Mustaf 88 Jones, the face of the areas most celebrated high school sports program, was offered the top assistant position May 5, he said in a phone interview Monday. The Cadets put the offensive pedal to the metal throughout the entire third quarter and led 50-44 after 24 minutes were in the books. DeMatha players surround Mike Jones after the Stags won the 2020 WCAC championship game, the coach's 500th victory. Todd Beckerman, Wrestling, 1996 A legendary prep career with a record of 208-1 the only loss coming during his freshman year. [20], In 2017, the documentary film Morgan Wootten: The Godfather of Basketball was released. Jones was 29 and had no previous head coaching experience. WCAC girls basketball Coach of the Year: McNamaras Frank Oliver. Smiths love for DeMatha still runs so deep that before marrying his wife, Shena, Smith told her that any future sons could go anywhere from kindergarten through eighth grade but that DeMatha was the only choice for high school. 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. 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. Markelle Fultz (2016) is a professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic, who was the first pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. Danny Ferry, Basketball, 1985 Played in three Final Fours at Duke, where he was named All-America and won the Naismith Award as a senior. Director of Player Development Portland Trailblazer, Assistant Coach University of Notre Dame.