Basketball Recap: Dematha Falls Short in Nationally-Ranked Matchup

DeMatha and Paul VI (ranked 21st and 14th in the MaxPreps national rankings respectively) squared off in a high-profile matchup on Tuesday. The DeMatha Stags took a 61-48 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Paul VI Panthers. The defeat continues a trend for the Stags in their matchups with the Panthers: they've now lost six in a row.

DeMatha's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Charles Thomas, who went 6 for 11 on his way to 15 points in addition to five rebounds and three steals. Thomas is trending in the right direction considering he's improved his point production for three straight games. The team also got some help courtesy of Jamaal McKnight Jr., who went 5 of 11 en route to 13 points.

DeMatha's defeat dropped their record down to 13-4. As for Paul VI, their victory was their 19th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 14-3.

DeMatha has already played their next contest (against Springdale Prep), but no score has been uploaded at the time of writing. A feisty cat fight is on tap when the Paul VI Panthers challenge the Bishop Ireton Cardinals at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.