Castillo’s Ascension and more from the Thanksgiving Hoopfest
One of the best in season platforms for Oklahoma players to garner new college attention and gain exposure from the national media is the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Duncaville, Texas. In 2009 the event debuted in a small gym in Arlington,…
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Continue ReadingOne of the best in season platforms for Oklahoma players to garner new college attention and gain exposure from the national media is the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Duncaville, Texas. In 2009 the event debuted in a small gym in Arlington, Texas and now is the one of the premier high school basketball showcases in the country. Oklahoma City Douglass participated in that first event and coming off the bench for that loaded Trojans team was a freshman by the name of Stevie Clark. That day the little freshman started his high school career by bombing away from deep. A few years later, he dueled with highly regarded Dallas Kimball guard Keith Fraizer. Clark’s play at the Hoopfest was important for his national perception and a noteworthy chapter of his four year storied prep career.
Since then, Trae Young, Bryce Thompson, Rondel Walker and many more Oklahoma players have earned acclaim and starred on the platform that competition against Texas’ best has provided. On Friday afternoon, a new player started to blaze his own path on that trail. Bartlesville sophomore David Castillo.
Squaring off against AAU teammate and fellow 5 star sophomore Tre Johnson, Castillo and his Bruins teammates entered the arena as the underdogs to Lake Highland. The Bruins started strong with an early lead, creating a back and forth game. Then a flurry of threes from Castillo and company gave them an edge as the game headed to the final frame. Under the bright lights of Sandra Meadows Memorial Arena, Bartlesville would thrive under the pressure and never relinquished the lead in the fourth quarter. They would win 73-66, making a statement that the Bruins are a contender in Oklahoma. And that Castillo more than deserves his national recognition as a 5 Star prospect.
From a scouting standpoint, one of the biggest takeaways from this game was the sophomore’s offensive efficiency and the faith he puts in his teammates. The sophomore would score a game high 28 points, but he did it on only 14 shots. In similar situations, many other top prospects would easily break 20 attempts. Which would likely lead to a bigger scoring day, but could hinder the chance of winning. Too often when looking for scoring numbers, players can neglect their teammates. Leading to stagnant offense, and overall lethargic play. The way Castillo plays is the exact opposite.
Bartlesville was at a noticeable size disadvantage, and on paper a talent disadvantage. Castillo scored in spots, especially with big threes in flurries that swung the game in favor of his squad. But he also almost always made the right pass when the defense gathered around him. He set up his teammates with good looks and filled them with belief. That belief was rewarded as they started hitting big shots and making hustle plays on defense. That leadership and trust from young Castillo was a huge factor in their victory. It takes a lot of maturity in a spot as big as Friday, to play smart and composed. To value making the right play over going for the flashy play. Those are impressive traits for any player, yet alone a sophomore like Castillo.
Those traits are special. So special that they are reminiscent of another northeastern Oklahoma guard that now plays in the NBA. During Shake Milton’s junior and senior years, he specialized in a similar style of efficient scoring while also elevating his teammates at Owasso. During those two seasons he would win back to back Gatorade Player of the Year awards. Then would enjoy an outstanding career at Southern Methodist University. He’s now in his third season with the Philadelphia 76ers. While they have different body types, the playing style and the DNA of Castillo’s and Milton’s game are similar.
There’s still many chapters left to write in Castillo’s prep career. There will be bumps on the journey, especially as he attempts to walk in the path of recent Oklahoma greats. But if he maintains the same level of composure and determination as Friday, the highs will greatly outnumber the lows.
The Panther’s new backcourt sparks season opening victory
It was an early start for the Panthers, as early Friday morning they jumped on a bus in Northwest OKC and made the nearly four hour trip to Duncanville for a 11 AM game. It showed with how they started slow out of the gate, falling behind against WT White out of Dallas. Junior newcomer guard Zander Baker Zander Baker 5'10" | PG Norman | 2023 State OK -Bluitt kick started their offense with jumpers and crafty drives to the hoop. His 10 first quarter points nearly erased the early deficit and broke them out of their stagnant start.
Standing around 5’10, the junior is quick off the dribble and has a good understanding of angles to get his shot off on drives to the rim against taller foes. Add in good shooting from the mid range and beyond the arc, and Baker-Bluitt has the opportunity to be a big time scorer for the PCN this winter.
Helping Baker-Bluitt with the ball handling and playmaking responsibilities was freshman guard Dominique Stephens JR off the bench. In his first varsity appearance, “DJ” played like a season vet. When the Panthers struggled with turnovers, it was his calming presence that steadied the ship as he played with outstanding pace. He made good reads in the pick and roll, and was adept at driving and kicking. Stephens even stepped up with a crucial third quarter three, and an “And 1” on a fourth quarter drive. North would complete their rally and win 51-43.
The backcourt duo of Baker-Bluitt and Stephens JR present a contrast to the rest of the Panthers’ roster. While both quick players, they will both need to bring a skill and composure element to athletic, bigger and exciting group of players. In what looks to be a wide open Class 6A, even with new faces all over the place Putnam City North has the potential to be in the running for a Class 6A State Tournament spot.
The journey continues for Johnson
After a handful of scrimmages throughout the month, Norman North junior Jeremiah Johnson Jeremiah Johnson 6'4" | PG Wasatch Academy Prep Class Of 2024 | 2024 GA played his first official game since his early February off the court injury incident. It was an up and down return, as he started well early with a few scores. But as the game progressed, it became clear there’s still some rust and rehabilitation for him to continue to work through. Johnson would end the game with 20 points but his team fell 71-52 to Allen.
Last winter, the junior guard was an explosive player, that blended his athletic ability with a great handle. Now his offensive game is very reliant on skill and craftiness to get around defenders. Late in the game, he started to look more like himself with a couple impressive dribble moves leading to three pointers. There’s still understandably work to be done for the talented junior to find his previous form athletically and it will be interesting to watch as he works his way back.