Baratta is a gifted stretch-4 who is committed to Tufts University (D3). That versatile skill set was on full display during Phoenixville’s District 1-5A opening round victory over William Tennent. In that win Baratta popped threes and scored in transition as well as off the dribble. He also crashed the offensive glass for put backs. His ability to pass out of double teams was impressive too. When the final horn sounded, Baratta posted a double double of 22 points and 13 rebounds.   

This Tufts University commit has been on fire over the last two weeks and has established himself as the front runner for the 2024-25 PAC Player of the Year award. Baratta is a high IQ stretch-4 prospect with 3-levels coring skills. He recently posted games of 21 points and 17 rebounds as well as 21 point (4 threes) and 11 rebounds. In addition to splashing threes, Baratta has scored in the mid-range and on dives to the cup. Still, the most impressive item with Baratta recently may be the improvement at the defensive end where he has developed into a legitimate rim protector.   

Baratta is the co-favorite to win the 2024-25 PAC Player of the Year award. Last season he averaged 12 points per night, posted several 20+ point scoring games, was a 1^st Team All-PAC selection and helped push the Phantoms to the 5A state tourney. That is an extremely respectable season. But from June through October, Baratta elevated his game to another level and simply destroyed the competition. Over the last five month he has registered scoring outbursts of 34, 26 as well as 24 points. He notched countless double doubles too. In short, we are expecting an epic senior campaign from Baratta. This stretch-4 prospect can produce points at every level. Baratta’s list of assets – his size, solid frame, high IQ, accurate jumper, and crafty dribble moves — make him a difficult match up. He also cleans the glass at both ends and is an underrated passer. Baratta recently picked up an offer from NYU (D3).    

Baratta has played incredible hoops this fall, so we are expecting a monster senior season from this gifted stretch-4 prospect. On Saturday Baratta popped jumpers from all over the court. He was especially lethal on dribble pull ups. He also finished through contact on the fast break as well as on straight line drives to the cup. Baratta’s combination of size, elite skills and high basketball IQ presented serious matchup problems for opponents. Baratta’s ability to grab a defensive rebound, outlet the ball and then sprint to down court on the wing for a catch and lay-in was particularly impressive. He posted 15 points and 8 rebounds (unofficially) in Phoenixville’s game against LaSalle.

The Comp Edge Fall League is Baratta’s world, and the rest of the players are all just living in it. This past weekend this stretch-4 prospect continued his extraordinary play as he led Phoenixville to wins over two highly competitive teams – Conestoga and Berks Catholic. Baratta popped jumpers from numerous spots on the court. At times he knocked home those shots over double teams. Additionally, he got buckets on dives to the rim and via the offensive glass. Baratta also impressed with his ability to pass out of double teams.

Baratta’s inclusion in this article should not be a surprise as this month he has been highlighted on our site frequently. He was a standout at all three major showcases in September – Never Forget Classic, CoBL Interstate Shootout at Big 64 Showcase. Additionally, this stretch-4 prospect has been torching opponents at the Comp Edge Fall League where Baratta has led Phoenixville to a 5-1 start. Baratta can score at every level. When you combine those skills with his length, court vision, rebounding and high IQ, you get an elite, well-rounded prospect. Last week Baratta picked up an offer from NYU (D3).  

Baratta currently sits at No. 64 in our Class of 2025 rankings. However, after his amazing stretch of play this fall you can expect this stretch-4 prospect to slide up our board in the next edition of those rankings. Earlier the month Baratta was a top performer at the Never Forget Classic. He has been a dominating force at the Comp Edge Fall League too. Included in his tremendous performances at Comp Edge was a 34-point effort against Methacton. Then last weekend at the Big 64 Showcase, Baratta was again named as a standout prospect. His combination of size, high basketball IQ and deadly accurate shooting make Baratta extremely difficult to guard. He recently picked up an offer from NYU (D3), but more programs should be on this kid.