Deerfield High Names Alumnus New Head Boys Basketball Coach

DEERFIELD, IL — A familiar face is taking over the boys basketball program at Deerfield High School. Jack DiMatteo, who has been a member of the coaching staff since 2022 and is an alumnus of the school (Class of 2013), is now at the helm.

DiMatteo has served as the program's assistant varsity coach and head junior varsity coach. Deerfield Athletic Director Nate Flannery says DiMatteo has helped with player development, scouting, practice preparation, offseason programming, youth camp coordination and the program's overall growth.

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DiMatteo succeeds Dan McKendrick, who led Deerfield for 14 seasons. McKendrick helped guide the Warriors to the most successful season in program history, finishing as the IHSA Class 3A State Runner-Up, and leaves as Deerfield's winningest coach.

“Deerfield Basketball means everything to me, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this program,” DiMatteo said. “This program has a proud history, and I understand the responsibility that comes with following the coaches and players who helped build it. I am excited to continue working with our student-athletes, families, staff, alumni, and community to build on that foundation and help our players grow on and off the court.”

Flannery touts DiMatteo's of the "95% Club," which recognizes winning plays and team-first contributions that may not show up in a traditional box score. He said that work has helped players better understand effort, accountability, toughness and the different ways they can affect winning.

“Jack consistently rose to the top throughout the hiring process,” Flannery says. “He understands Deerfield, he understands the student-athletes in our program, and he has a clear vision for how to continue building on the success and tradition of Deerfield Basketball. Jack is thoughtful, prepared, relationship-driven, and highly committed to helping our players grow both on and off the court. We are excited for him to lead the next chapter of Deerfield Boys Basketball.”

In addition to coaching, the school said DiMatteo has worked as an educator, teaching AP government, civics and economics. He also was part of the La Salle University men's basketball program as a head student manager and scout team player. DiMatteo holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, a Master of Public Policy from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics with Honors from La Salle University.

With the hiring announcement, the Deerfield athletic department also recognized past basketball coaches they say "helped shape the program," including Deerfield Hall of Fame coach Steve Pappas, whose teams captured back-to-back sectional championships in the 1990s, Coach Bret Just, whose impact on the game has continued well beyond Deerfield, "and the many coaches and assistants who have invested in Warrior Basketball over the years. Their work helped create the standard and tradition that continue to define the program today."

Players mentioned by the school who have made an impact over the years include Ryan Hogan remains one of the greatest players in Lake County history and helped lead Deerfield to sectional championships in 1996 and 1997 and then went on to play at Kentucky and Iowa.

Duje Dukan continued the Deerfield basketball legacy reaching a Final Four at the University of Wisconsin and professionally, including time with the Sacramento Kings. Most recently, Jake Pollack and Evan Nagler helped lead the Warriors to a historic state runner-up finish and will continue their basketball careers at Dartmouth College and Case Western Reserve University, respectively.