Recap
By: Austin Robertson
DeMatha delivered a dominant performance in their first play of the summer league. They established control early and showcased their formidable depth and skill. From the moment they stepped onto the court, it was evident this would be the game of the day. The Stags quickly jumped out to a 9-3 lead, fueled by standout performances from 2027 Christian Proctor and 2027 Donavan Wright. DeMatha prioritized shutting down Virginia Academy’s offense, and by the 7:14 mark of the first half, they had built a commanding 29-8 lead. Wright ignited the team with three early three-pointers, prompting an early timeout from Virginia Academy. Despite the opposing team shifting to a 2-3 zone to contain DeMatha’s attacking prowess, the Stags responded by spreading the floor and leveraging their depth, which led to a masterclass defensive effort that sparked their offense. Issa Camp’s playmaking ability further energized the team, and with relentless pressure on the ball, DeMatha extended its lead to an astonishing 52-14 at halftime.
The second half saw DeMatha maintain its aggressive pace, with Proctor leading the charge and continuing to demonstrate his versatility and size at 6’6”. The team’s high-pressure defense persisted, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities. DeMatha’s balanced attack was on full display as they cruised to a 95-38 victory on day two of the Capitol Hoops Summer League. Proctor’s impressive performance, including 27 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, highlighted his prototypical size and skill set. Contributions from Wright, Jones, Ortiz, and Camp also played crucial roles, showcasing the team’s depth and talent across the board. Overall, DeMatha’s commanding display of both offensive and defensive prowess dates back to their defending champion status and will make them a team to watch this summer.