DeMatha Catholic (MD) names Mike G. Jones III its head basketball coach, becoming only the program’s third permanent leader in the last 66 years

BENSALEM, Pa. – In nearly seven decades of basketball, DeMatha Catholic of Hyattsville, Maryland featured only two permanent head coaches.

Now make it a third as the Catholic all-male school situated near Washington, D.C., named Mike G. Jones III today to shepherd the powerhouse program that competes in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, one of the nation’s best.

He comes to DeMatha from after a successful run at nearby St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes School (Alexandria, Va.), where he has served as coach since 2016. He is expected to start his new position later this spring; he will lead DeMatha’s summer basketball camp.

Jones’ appointment is the result of a nationwide search undertaken this year to fill the position after long-time coach Mike Jones from the DeMatha Class of 1991 (no relation) took an associate coaching position at Virginia Tech in the summer of 2021.

Last season the Stags, No. 24 in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 final rankings, went 21-7 and captured their 26^th Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament title under interim coach Pete Strickland (Class of 1975).

In a prepared statement, DeMatha President Rev. James R. Day, O.SS.T., said:

“We are grateful to Pete Strickland for stepping up and leading the team this past year and we are thrilled to welcome Coach Jones to DeMatha. His experience, reputation and ability to find the best in players both as individuals and athletes are very consistent with our DeMatha philosophy of academics and athletics.”

Jones is only the third permanent head basketball coach at DeMatha in 66 years, following Morgan Wootten (1956-2002) and Mike Jones (2002-2021).

Jones is a proven leader with over 31 years of experience in the game of basketball as a player and coach.

He has amassed 10 years of coaching experience at the high school, college and NBA levels; six years of experience as a high school head coach; 11 years as a professional basketball player that included playing in the most competitive overseas professional leagues and several NBA summer league stints.

In accepting this highly visible position at DeMatha, Jones said in statement, “I am honored and excited to lead this program. The rich tradition, culture and history of DeMatha makes this an unbelievable opportunity for me and my family.”

Jones’ basketball dossier is impressive. Highlights include:

• 110-21 overall record an 80% winning percentage
• 2019 Virginia State champions with a record of 27-3
• 2020 Virginia State runner-up with a record of 30-4
• 2022 Virginia State runner-up with a record of 20-4
• 2018-19 Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Coach of the Year
• 2019-20 NBC Washington Coach of the Year
• Interstate Athletic Conference title holders for three consecutive year, including 2021-22.