On Tuesday, January 25, the DeMatha varsity basketball team defeated Bishop McNamara 77-50. This was a big win for the Stags as Bishop McNamara is the best team in the league. What are some of the players thoughts about this big win and the rest of the season moving forward?

Senior forward Jerrell Roberson felt that the win was “extremely important. We heard people chirping all over social media about how they’re (Bishop McNamara) the best team in the area and we tried to go out and prove otherwise. And it showed what we are capable of that as a team.” He definitely thought that the game was a boost for the rest of the season, saying, “That game was just us proving ourselves right. We knew we were the best team in the league and we just went out and played like it.”

Jerrell emphasized not focusing on any other teams within the league. “We aren’t really focusing on any other teams. We know every game is important in the league because the teams are so good.” Jerrell is very relieved about the covid protocols letting their families come to watch them play. “After playing with the stricter covid protocols last year, this year was a lot easier on the rules and letting at least the families in.”

For Jerrell it was a “big adjustment” with having a new head coach. After a couple of games in, “all it took was to really buy in.” The focus for Jerrell and the team going into the playoffs is simple. “Dominate teams on the defensive end. We have plenty of offense but it starts on defense for us. Then we can play like the team we know we are.”

Senior guard Rodney Rice is just as pumped as Jerrell is about the Mac win. “The win against Mac was very important. They were the number 1 team in the conference and in the area, so for us to get that win really helped us gain momentum for the last stretch of the regular season.”

Rodney thought that this was a “wake up call” for the rest of the league. “We went on a three-game losing streak and we looked down, from the outside looking in. But we got our rhythm back and went on a six-game win streak.” He has a lot of hope in the team going into the playoff run.

“We’re 14-5 as of now. We could be doing much better but I believe we can dig deep down and find some fight and finish off strong, which means a WCAC Championship,” Rodney said. “Going into the playoffs, we have our eyes on the prize which is the championship and I think we have the guys to do it.”

The Stags have three more games left in the regular season before they make their playoff run. The last game of the season on February 18 will be a key rival matchup, as the Stags go up against the Gonzaga Eagles.