Former Millbrook Standout Silas Demary Prepares for NCAA Title Game

Raleigh native aims to lead UConn to championship against Michigan

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with players and the court deconstructed into abstract shapes and planes of color.A former high school standout's journey to the national championship game showcases the power of dedication and teamwork in college basketball.Today in Raleigh

Silas Demary, a former standout at Millbrook High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, is set to compete in the NCAA men's basketball national championship game with the UConn Huskies. Demary's former high school coach, Chris Davis, praised his work ethic, leadership, and clutch play that helped Millbrook win its first state title in 2021.

Why it matters

Demary's journey from Millbrook to the national title game has captured the attention of the local Raleigh community, who are proud to see one of their own competing on college basketball's biggest stage.

The details

Demary, a guard for UConn, played at Millbrook High School for two years, helping the program win its first boys basketball state championship in 2021. His former coach, Chris Davis, highlighted Demary's relentless work ethic, team-first mentality, and ability to make winning plays, even if it meant sacrificing individual stats. During UConn's Elite Eight comeback win over Duke, Demary made a crucial defensive play in the final seconds that led to the game-winning basket, reminiscent of a similar clutch moment in Millbrook's state title run.

  • Demary attended Millbrook High School from 2019 to 2021.
  • Millbrook won the state championship in 2021 with Demary as a key contributor.
  • UConn will face Michigan in the NCAA men's basketball national championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Silas Demary

A guard for the UConn Huskies men's basketball team, Demary is a Raleigh native who attended Millbrook High School for two years and helped the program win its first state championship in 2021.

Chris Davis

The boys basketball coach at Millbrook High School for the last nine years, Davis praised Demary's work ethic, leadership, and clutch play during his time with the Wildcats.

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What they’re saying

“It's simple as when practice is going on -- are they getting here first? Are they leaving last? Are they putting in the work away from here? And he would do that.”

— Chris Davis, Millbrook High School Boys Basketball Coach

“Just his mentality. Like, even as like, rising freshman to go to team camp. And one of my seniors was coaching the younger team, and he was like, coach, that's the one. He is the one. He's the guy with the dog mentality, like he's tough. The kids follow him, they listen to him.”

— Chris Davis, Millbrook High School Boys Basketball Coach

“He is going to do what it takes for the team to win. He wasn't shooting great in that game. You start making 3s, he's getting the ball to people in different places, playing great defense, and we just getting after it. And that was him. Like, literally, he could have averaged 25 points a game for us. He probably averaged 10 to 15 because he just did what we needed.”

— Chris Davis, Millbrook High School Boys Basketball Coach

What’s next

Demary and the UConn Huskies will face the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA men's basketball national championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Silas Demary's journey from leading Millbrook High School to a state championship to now competing for a national title with UConn showcases his dedication, team-first mentality, and ability to make winning plays. His former coach's praise highlights how Demary's leadership and clutch performances have inspired his community and paved the way for this opportunity on college basketball's biggest stage.