DeMatha vs Tenley Tigers (Jackson Reed)

Recap

By Eric Brilliant

Dematha comes out on top in an highly anticipated matchup against the Tenley Tigers, 72-68.

Both teams entered with an 8-1 record, looking for possession of the second overall seed but would have to do so without several key players. Dematha was without starters, Malcolm Thomas (‘24, F) and AJ McClary (‘24,G), and key reserves, Jamal McKnight, Jr. (‘27, G) and Danny Abass (‘27, F). The Tigers were also without several role players, including Joe Mcrae (‘24, G) and Jack Corrigan Conaty (‘25, G). 

Nonetheless, this game lived up to the hype with both teams scoring on their opening possession, setting the tone for a back-and-forth game. The Tigers were able to grab an early lead, getting out in transition and Emmanuel Okitondo (‘24, F) had a couple fast break dunks. Lucas Sekasi (‘24, G) continued to impress, who has earned back-to-back Player of the Week honors, with his floor general skills.

On the other end, Dematha was led by Kade Sebastian (‘25, F). Dematha ran a handful of offensive sets for Sebastian to create space for his jumper, capitalizing with a couple early baskets. Ashton Meeks (‘26, G) also impressed after back-to-back off days against Flint Hill and Fairfax Christian. 

The Tigers held a five point lead with just under six minutes to play in the first half; however, Dematha began to double team the Tigers ball handlers when they passed half court. The adjustment by Coach Mike Jones seemed to be the right one as the Tigers guards began to feel sped up and had several turnovers, resulting in a tie game. The Tigers adjusted by getting the ball quickly into Emmanuel Okitondo down low, which he was able to score several easy layups and finished the first half with 14 points.

The Tenley Tigers took a 33-29 halftime lead. Dematha quickly regained the momentum and the lead with a corner three from Cade Walton, taking a 38-37 lead. Kai Settles (‘24, F) for the Tigers responded with a big block on Dematha guard Jacob Wallace (‘25, G), preventing a layup. In the ensuing possession, Settles hit a big three, sparking a 7-0 run for the Tigers.

Jacob Wallace had a big half, scoring 19 points in the second half. Wallace answered every Tigers bucket with a bucket of his own, showcasing his shot making ability. Wallace had a tough and-1, which would tie the game at 59 with 5:30 left to play. Babatunde Oladuton (‘27, F) followed with a couple huge threes for Dematha.

The Tigers were within striking distance thanks to star point guard Lucas Sekasi. Sekasi was pulling up from well beyond the three point line, going 5-of-6 from three in the game and finishing with 25 points. But Jacob Wallace was too much for the Tigers, scoring a putback layup and hitting a handful of free throws with two minutes to play. A missed layup for the Tigers with under 50 seconds to play would see their chances of coming back go out the window.

The Tigers dropped to 8-2 with a loss and stand in a 4-way tie with McNamara, Grace Brethren, and the Cadets. Dematha moves to 9-1 with the win and is in a tie with Riverdale Baptist for the second overall seed.