Photographer: Dylan Tucker
Writer: Nicki Kupchan
5/20/2026
Going into Day 3 of the summer league, DMV powerhouse DeMatha faced Jackson Reed. DeMatha, ranked the No. 1 basketball program in Maryland, finished last season 21–10. Jackson Reed entered as the underdog but brought momentum of their own after a strong 22–10 season and a 14–1 league record.
Jackson Reed came out firing early. Guard James Walker opened the game with a smooth transition layup, followed by a corner three to put the Tigers up 5–3. The hot start continued as Lane Mahan and Eldrick Ngalieu each knocked down threes, pushing Jackson Reed’s lead to eight with 11 minutes left in the first half.
With four minutes remaining, Jackson Reed’s full-court press began to trouble the Stags, forcing turnovers that turned into easy points and extended the lead to 10. DeMatha struggled at the free-throw line, going just 3-for-11 in the half, which prevented them from closing the gap.
At halftime, Jackson Reed led 42–27. The Tigers’ lead was made possible by James Walker’s lights-out performance from 3-point territory, shooting at a 50 percent clip for the half.
DeMatha opened the second half with renewed energy. Major Jones and Isa Camp each hit threes to cut the deficit to 11. With 10 minutes remaining, DeMatha big man David Barker scored through contact for a three-point play, trimming the lead to 10.
However, James Walker responded immediately with another three to keep Jackson Reed in control. The Tigers’ defensive pressure continued to disrupt DeMatha, leading to transition opportunities and a 15-point cushion with six minutes left.
Jackson Reed closed out the upset in dominant fashion, winning 93–78. Walker led the Tigers with 23 points while shooting 55 percent from beyond the arc. DeMatha struggled to match Jackson Reed’s energy on both ends, resulting in an unexpected blowout.
DeMatha will look to bounce back against Glenelg Country on Friday, while Jackson Reed aims to extend its winning streak to three against Clinton Grace next Wednesday.