By ZACH SMART
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Following an astounding 19-point, 18-rebound, 3-block performance in Stepinac’s recent win over Mount St Michael, 6-foot-10 Class of 2026 prospect Darius Ratliff continues to ascend as a national stock-riser.
Ratliff playing sparingly his sophomore year. On a Boogie Fland-led city championship team which thrived in heightened moments with versatile 6-foot-8 shot maker Braylon Ritvo (Quinnipiac) and bruising interior threat Jordan Gabriel (who is committed to Marist), Ratliff was more of a spare part.
Now, it’s his turn.
Ratliff is rapidly growing into a leadership role for a Stepinac team teeming with heavily recruited talent and hell-bent on making history with an unprecedented third consecutive city championship.
A ferocious rim protector who uses his length defensively, Ratliff and his twin brother Adonis have been unique two-way threats for a Stepinac team that will play Richmond Heights HS (OH) here in the Basketball Hall of Fame Hoophall Classic in on Sunday.
Ratliff infuses Pat Massaroni’s lineup with a wide ranging skill set. He can exploit mismatches in the post. He’s able to get above the rim for extravagant in-traffic finishes.
Ratliff has developed a reliable outside touch. He’s able to put the ball on the deck comfortably at his size.
“This year I’m an anchor on defense and a big who can space out the floor and open lanes for guards and be ready for an open three or dump off,” Ratliff said.
“I think I have improved my rebounding the most my goal all year has been to average a double double.”
Buying in with a newfound work ethic has keyed the steady progression of Ratliff, who is the son of memorable NBA shot-blocker Theo Ratliff.
A core of programs have been keeping close tabs on Ratliff’s increasing production rate.
“I hear from UCF, Rutgers, Syracuse and Mississippi State the most right now. I am most intrigued by all of these schools. I think all of them are great programs that fit my game.”
Steve Pikiell and Rutgers have also been recruiting Ratliff’s aforementioned twin brother and teammate Adonis, as well as Stepinac’s 6-foot-5 sharpshooter Jasiah Jervis.
The Class of 2026 Jervis showed deep, intergalactic range and was a timely shot-maker throughout CHSAA “AA” championships at Fordham University.
This season, Jervis has shown a consistent three-level scoring prowess and a seasoned grittiness.
He stuck 3-pointers from NBA range during a pulsating OT win over Iona Prep at the County Center and during a recent come from behind victory over formidable conference foe St. Raymond’s in the Bronx.
Ratliff credits his trainer, Chuck Person, who is known for his 15-year NBA career, for the continued development of his all around game.
“(Person)was one of the best shooters in NBA history,” said Ratliff.
“He trained me since seventh grade and made his main focus to be a versatile player.”
UMass-bound point guard Danny Carbuccia is a four-year starter and stabilizing influence for this Crusaders team. A certifiable defensive irritant, it Carbuccia’s harassing defense that enabled Stepinac to stymie St. Raymond’s early onslaught and subsequently trigger a 12-0 run in the aforementioned win at the start of the month.
Beyond the Ratliff twins and Jervis, the Crusaders have a considerable 2026 class with veteran inside-outside scoring in Hassan Koureissi and a tough, high flying 6-foot-6 guard in Dylan Perry.
“Since myself, Siah, Hass, and my brother are on (the PSA Cardinals) we continue to push each other during the off-season, whether its practice or just working out together,” Ratliff said.
“With Dylan, we see him all the time throughout the circuit. Even if it’s talking a little trash and saying we’re better than his team, we all continue to to push each other everyday. I feel like the main thing for us is that all of us our bond. If we see each other slacking off we’re going to say something I feel like that’s the best way to push one another.”
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