A packed house came out to see the nationally ranked DeMatha Catholic Stags, led by a host of Division I prospects and left the tiny Ryken gym with a healthy respect for the St Mary’s Ryken Knights after a 67-60 win in what Head Coach Dave Tallman called “the biggest victory in Ryken Basketball history.”
DeMatha jumped out to a 7-3 lead early, but the Knights took their first lead at 9-7 midway through the first quarter. At the end of the quarter they had extended the lead to 18-9 and never looked back in front of a loud and fired up crowd that resembled an ACC College basketball game. The Stags were led by ESPN Next Cover Star Mickel Hopkins (Sr, F 6′ 9″) and his 13 points as well as 6’10, 185 pound sophomore center B.J. Anya’s 14 points. Guard James Robinson added 11 points.
The Knights were led by their quick Junior 5’5″ guard Kortez Smith’s 10 points and 8 assists. Senior guard Deon Andrews was instrumental at breaking the second half full court press applied by DeMatha. DeVon Barnett added 10 points for Ryken. Virginia Commonwealth signee Treveon Graham led all scorers, hitting shots from all over the court with 29 points. When asked about Graham, Coach Tallman said ” I just love this kid, VCU better realize they got a steal here, Traveon has NBA potential.”
In other Boys Basketball action on Wednesday February 2, North Point continued their undefeated string with a 75-54 win over Northern. Thomas Stone knocked off Patuxent 71-37, McDonough defeated Leonardtown 66-53 and LaPlata beat Huntingtown 69-55.
