Tuesday Night Matchup: O’Connell vs. DeMatha

We look at a DMV Top-30 matchup between Bishop O’Connell and DeMatha set to take place Tuesday night.  Introduction O’Connell won at DeMatha back in January by a final score of 72-65. 2024 Jadyn Harris Jadyn Harris 6'6" | PF Bishop O'Connell | 2024 VA was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points. DeMatha has gone 7-2 since that night, and O’Connell has gone 4-4 with wins over conference rivals Gonzaga and PVI. This game is always meaningful and this time out should be no different.  Here are the projected lineups: One: ( Paul Lewis Paul Lewis 6'1" | PG Bishop O'Connell | 2022 State VA ) vs. ( Rodney Rice Rodney Rice 6'4" | CG DeMatha | 2022 State #89 Nation MD ). Lewis has been consistent this year for the Knights. Rice enjoys playing at O’Connell and could be in for a big night. Both guards are solid and this should be a fun matchup. Expect 2024 Machi Chester Machi Chester 6'3" | SG Bishop O'Connell | 2024 VA to come in and defend with tenacity while making plays on the ball.   Two: ( Del Jones Del Jones 6'3" | CG Bishop O'Connell | 2024 VA ) vs. ( Jaeden Mustaf Jaeden Mustaf 6'4" | CG Carmel Christian | 2024 NC ). This is an intriguing matchup between two of the better sophomores in the area. Jones can put the ball in the hole and Mustaf has the tools to prevent that.  Three: ( Christian May Christian May 6'6" | SF Bishop O'Connell | 2022 State VA ) vs. ( AJ Swinton AJ Swinton 6'6" | SF Oak Hill Academy | 2024 State VA ). May has the experience advantage in this matchup, but Swinton has proven to be a difference-maker on both ends for the Stags. Both players should be productive all across the board. Four: ( Jadyn Harris Jadyn Harris 6'6" | PF Bishop O'Connell | 2024 VA ) vs. ( Tyrell Ward Tyrell Ward 6'7" | SF DeMatha | 2022 State #56 Nation MD ). Based on the previous matchup which Harris started, he could do so again here. Containing Ward will be critical to O’Connell’s success in this game. The 6-foot-7 Xavier commit has the potential to dominate from start to finish. Can Harris neutralize him with another outstanding performance? Five: ( David Onanina David Onanina 6'6" | PF Bishop O'Connell | 2022 State VA ) vs. ( Jerrell Roberson Jerrell Roberson 6'8" | C DeMatha | 2022 State MD ). Onanina has been rock-solid in the paint for O’Connell. He’s been a walking double-double and an explosive finisher. Roberson is in good form and could present matchup problems with his perimeter skills. Look for young Malcolm Thomas Malcolm Thomas 6'8" | C DeMatha | 2024 State MD to factor into the rotation for the Stags if he is healthy.  6th Man: ( Cavan Reilly Cavan Reilly 6'4" | SG Bishop O'Connell | 2022 State VA ) vs. ( Jaden Winston Jaden Winston 5'9" | PG DeMatha | 2023 State MD ). Reilly is unfortunately the odd man out in this lineup despite the fact that he is generally a starter. Despite the fact that he’s in a 6th man role here, he should be on the court a ton. Reilly is a deadeye from three who is more than just a shooter. Winston is a pest defensively. He could come in to stymie any O’Connell guard that could potentially catch fire.