James is a true big who rebounds the ball with force and finishes strong around the rim, especially on put-back dunks. One of the more impressive frontcourt prospects over the weekend, he embraced his role and impacted the game with toughness, effort, and physicality. Runs the floor well, plays with energy, and consistently does what his team needs to win. Productive interior presence who controls the glass, creates second-chance opportunities, and brings value as a rim runner. Expecting him to attract significant attention from coaches during the upcoming live session. Projects as a mid- to high-major prospect.

DiBitetto is an old school center who was able to be an anchor down low. He eats up space with his size. He has effective post moves and isn’t afraid to throw up a baby hook. Dibitetto also got to the foul line. He runs the floor and is a threat as a brick wall screener. He is scratching the surface at the right time and best basketball is on the horizon.

James is on the fast track to becoming one of the top bigs in Maryland. This summer with Team Durant is sure to be a big one when he steps onto the scene. He has great big-skills down low and his strength mixed with his coordination is special as he is only a sophomore. With Durant, DiBitetto can assert his strengths where they are needed. As long James can run the floor, rebound and block shots, and show some perimeter/face-up ability off the dribble, he should soar up the rankings.

DiBitetto’s height and shot-blocking ability made him a dominant force in the paint. His defensive presence was a significant asset for St. Mary’s. Although he is still a little bit raw on the offensive end, he already has a nice touch from mid-range, FT line, and around the basket. He has some athleticism for his size and developing body. We saw him rotate from the weak side to block shots and he is hard to move once he gets position on the low block. We like his long-term potential if he continues to work on his game.

16 points vs Gerstell

-DiBitetto showed his offensive versatility throughout a tough MIAA matchup with Gerstell Academy at home. He hit a running hook over his left shoulder, executed a drop step into the right hook off glass, knocked down a 3 above the break, hit a C+S baseline jumper and later hit a face-up jumper from the other side of the rim in the same spot. He’s doing a better job of patiently scanning the floor while taking care of the ball when faced with double or triple teams in the short corner or near the paint. Bigs usually develop latter in the process of their HS career but he seems to have made some big strides and is consistently producing for a St. Mary’s team that needs his leadership as they push for a BCL A Conference invite next season.

James really asserted himself on the glass in this game. He was a big force in the paint all game long for St. Mary’s, and took over in the closing quarters. Seemed like any miss around the rim went into his hands. He showed a good feel for knowing where to be on the court to best help his team. On offense he gathered a plethora of points from being in the dunker’s spot down low and catching quick feeds from the slashing guards. Defensively, he was able to deter and deny shot opportunities at the rim from staying disciplined and defending straight-up, avoiding the foul call. In the later parts of the game DiBitetto started stretching out to the midrange and hitting some close float shots. He was effective in the post when he could work without the double team, but when the DT came he was usually able to find the right man to extend the play.

21p 16r 1a 1b

-Had a monster performance against Loyola in one of our first viewings of a full game from him. DiBitetto has a soft touch, is becoming more comfortable attacking the basket off the bounce, and works hard on the glass. His footwork and feel have taken a step forward as has his conditioning, best play was when he turned a great seal on the low block into a drop step and two-handed dunk through the contact. Once his stamina and vertical leaping ability take a bigger jump, I believe he’ll be able to show off the passing, shooting and shot-blocking abilities that will push him into a more elite recruiting stratosphere.