The happenings inside St. Sebastian’s gymnasium have turn out to be extra spectacle than recreation. One have a look at AJ Dybantsa and the reason being clear.
A 6-foot-8 freshman wing, Dybantsa has amazed coaches, opponents, and basketball lovers as he has led St. Sebastian’s to a 20-0 begin to the season. Dybantsa is already thought-about one of many prime prospects not simply in Massachusetts however nationally.
“I cannot think of anyone I’ve coached that compares to him. He does stuff in games and in practice that you cannot replicate,” St. Sebastian’s head coach David Hinman mentioned. “What stands out the most though is he is a completely selfless player.”
Dybantsa hails from Brockton however elected to attend St. Sebastian’s going into his eighth grade yr. His improvement took off in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic as he spent months in quarantine engaged on his athleticism, energy, and capturing. While college sports activities have been totally on shutdown, Dybantsa thrived on the AAU circuit with Expressions, the place he realized he may play towards among the greatest within the nation.
“I wanted to play with and against better players and St. Seb’s offered that chance,” Dybantsa mentioned. “In order to get to where I wanted to get to, I had to play in the Prep School Showcase and in the NEPSAC to showcase my talents all around.”
As an eighth grader, Dybantsa was a starter for a St. Seb’s staff that secured an ISL title and set the varsity document for wins at 24-3. This time round, nevertheless, the now 16-year previous helps the Arrows do one higher. The unbeaten string features a win over beforehand unbeaten Rivers through which Dybantsa scored 28 factors.
Dybantsa’s ball-handling abilities make him akin to a guard, whereas attending to the basket is close to easy. When opposing defenses look to assist off, he has improved his three-point shot. Dybantsa is most spectacular in transition the place he makes use of his explosiveness to both take off for a dunk or use his skills as a passer to search out teammates within the open courtroom.
At the opposite finish of the ground, he has defended level guards and facilities, usually taking over the opponent’ s greatest participant.
“Offensively, in transition, he is just dynamic,” Hinman mentioned. “Any time we can get the ball in his hands he’s either getting to the hoop or getting it to the right player. When you look at it, his highest point totals are consistently against the best teams.”
The vitality surrounding Dybantsa within the fitness center is contagious. It has rubbed off not simply on teammates and coaches, however all the prep basketball neighborhood. Whether at dwelling or on the highway, the Arrows have introduced a fan frenzy with them. High college, center college, and elementary children pack the gyms stuffed with anticipation of the subsequent throw-down. When internet hosting an ISL foe, folks pour into the Arrows gymnasium filling the one aspect of bleachers together with the balcony above creating an enviornment ambiance.
When it’s throughout they’re hoping to seize a snapshot for social media. It quantities to a extremely strain crammed setting for a child simply studying to drive.
“He has handled all the surrounding noise extraordinarily well,” Hinman mentioned. “AJ has a wonderful family that keeps him grounded. Everywhere we go everyone wants a picture with him, and he only just turned 16. I can’t believe how much he is asked to do but he handles it with class and dignity.”
Dybantsa has coaches and evaluators already murmuring about him being the subsequent centerpiece at an elite school program. Recruiting and prep college platforms in some circumstances have dubbed him the highest prospect within the class of 2026. This season he’s averaging 19 factors and 7 rebounds per recreation on 61-percent capturing. He is a nominee for Massachusetts’ Gatorade Player of the Year and was the Zero Gravity Prep Classic MVP. Perhaps most spectacular, Dybantsa is a USA U16 minicamp invitee.
“What got me here, just staying focused and humbled, is going to get me to the next level,” Dybantsa mentioned. “My family provided for me. I cannot give back right now, but when I get older I want to have an opportunity where I can turn around and thank them because they have done so much for me.”
Natick pulls upset
In MIAA ladies hoops, Natick secured one of many largest upset wins of the winter because the beforehand No. 34 Redhawks knocked off No. 4 Newton North, 38-31. As the season enters its closing full week solely Andover, Lynn Classical, Medfield, Minuteman, Woburn, and Worcester South stand as unbeaten groups on the ladies aspect.
Source: www.bostonherald.com