A Bench Spark: Anthony D’Itria Helps Fuel St. Mary’s Run to State Title

When St. Mary’s High School boys basketball coach David Brown needed a lift off the bench in an MIAA Elite 8 matchup versus Dover Sherborn, he called on his super sixth man, Anthony D’Itria.

Known for his accurate outside shooting, D’Itria lit up the board for four three-pointers, including a third-quarter buzzer beater, and 14 points overall as St. Mary’s motored to a 64-48 victory.

D’Itria continued his stellar play in the role that John Havlicek made famous as the 6-foot guard from Revere helped St. Mary’s defeat Norton (87-49) and Watertown (71-40) in the Final Four and claim the Division 3 state championship.

D’Itria title-winning contributions marked a special journey for Anthony’s father, Mike D’Itria, who is an assistant coach of the St. Mary’s team and had worked with Anthony on developing his game since he was in fourth grade and p.

Brown said D’Itria presence on the court is all-encompassing.

“Anthony knocked down some big 3s in the tournament,” said Brown. “He’s always been a great shooter and a tough defender. Over the last year-and-a-half, he’s grown four or five inches in height, and now he’s one of our better rebounders, and he does a great job at the defensive end.”

D’Itria considers the crucial effort against Dover Sherborn as one of his best games of the season.

“We needed a spark off the bench to help get us going and I did the best I could to supply that,” said D’Itria.

Hard Work in Off-Season Paid Off

Like with all high school basketball players, the 2020-21 season was a challenging one due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I put in the work in the off-season just to have a set role on this year’s team, and I luckily found that in the sixth-man spot,” said D’Itria. He began playing AAU basketball for the North Shore Ballers with his current teammate, David Brown Jr., an All-Scholastic guard, in fifth grade. That team was coached by St. Mary’s head coach David Brown Sr. and won a pair of state championships.

A dazzling dribbler, D’Itria has always possessed a great shooting touch from medium to long-range distances.

“The three-point shot is what I rely on, probably too much sometimes, but I’ve worked in the off-season on my handles, my jumping, just being more explosive toward the rim, and my playmaking, getting to the rim and seeing my teammates for open shots,” said D’Itria.

His leaping ability has steadily improved, notably in track and field where he has a personal best in the high jump of 6 feet, earning him a Catholic Central League individual championship.

“I can dunk, but I haven’t done it in a game yet,” said D’Itria.

He credits Coach David Brown for helping become a better all-around basketball player.

“I’ve had the opportunity to play basketball for Mr. Brown for quite a while now,” said D’Itria. “As the years have gone by, you’re just able to see how good of a coach he is. His wins show it, his state championships. He’s tough on you sometimes, but that’s because he cares, and he wants the best for us.”

D’Itria has also benefited from watching his sister, Nicolette D’Itria, excel for the St. Mary’s High School girls basketball program. A Catholic Central League All-Star and Herald All-Scholastic, Nicolette just completed her freshman season for the UMass Dartmouth women’s basketball program.

“As much I don’t like to admit it, I do look up to her when it came to basketball,” said Anthony. “Her dedication to the game, always putting in the work, battling hard at all times – so her effort, determination and now playing at the college level – I have to say I really do look up to her for that.”

As for his parents, Mike D’Itria and Tami D’Itria, Anthony said, “I’m grateful for their support. My dad, especially, when it comes to sports and basketball, he has always stayed on top me, making sure I could be the best I could be – waking me up to go to the workouts, staying late in the gym to work on my shooting. Just him allowing me to do that, it means a lot because some kids aren’t able to have that.”

Said Mr. D’Itria about the state championship season in which St. Mary’s had an amazing 28-1 record, “I’m very proud of my son and I’m very happy for him. We’ve been waiting for this day since we decided to go there.”

A Starting Role in Search of a Repeat

Anthony D’Itria is being projected as a starting guard for the Spartans next season as they look to repeat as state champions. It is likely he will join All-Scholastic David Brown Jr. in the Spartans’ backcourt.

“Anthony should definitely be stepping in as a starter,” said Brown. “He played a lot of minutes this season and excelled in late-game, crucial situations. I look forward to Anthony being a major contributor to our program again next season.”

With three starters back, along with Anthony D’Itria and 6-foot-4 inch forward Nick Sacco in the fold, the Spartans should be the favorite to repeat as champions in 2023.

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