.png)
Mars Grad Castello Speaks About Noteworthy Athletic Career
The Mars Fightin Planets have been one of the more successful basketball programs in the PIAA over the last decade. The school has featured a great amount of college talent and reached the PIAA state title game in the year 2016. This team featured a stockpile of college talent including Notre Dame guard Robby Carmody to go along with former Shippensburg big man John Castello. Though a 99-66 defeat in the state title game was not exactly the way anyone on the team wanted to go out, this was a memorable run for a great basketball program.
The type of atmosphere he experienced in high school was something that went a long way in preparing John Castello for the type of college career he would go on to have. In the state title game, Castello had twenty-one points and seven rebounds despite a tough loss to a very talented Neuman-Goretti team. Everyone knew well before this game that Castello was a big time performer, but the experience would prove helpful as the Shippensburg Raiders have had an incredible last four years with him on the team.
In his first year of college, he played a pivotal role in helping the Raiders win the 2016-2017 PSAC championship. He started in all but two of his games as a freshman which would be the only two games he would not start in his college career. He averaged 10.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game and helped lead the Raiders to the second round of the Division II NCAA Tournament. The Raiders went 27-4 in Castello’s first year including 15-1 on their home floor.
It was becoming even more clear that Castello was going to be one of the PSAC’s most consistent and most feared players for the next three years, and that he was. Shippensburg qualified for the NCAA Tournament two more times in Castello’s career, and he went on to score 1,575 points and grab 1,086 rebounds total in four years. Despite the numerous personal accolades he racked up including being named all-PSAC three times in his career, he says what means most to him is the team’s success.
“Myself and many others have really helped build something special here. I fully encourage guys who can really play to consider Shippensburg. I was never disappointed in my four year career because I chose Shippensburg. We always contended for PSAC titles and we consistently won games and made the NCAA Tournament. That and the relationships I have built at Shippensburg have made a huge difference in my athletic career and personal life.”
Castello followed up a great freshman season with an even better sophomore year in which he helped the Raiders reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Despite winning less games and not winning the PSAC, the Raiders rallied in the NCAA Tournament and played some of their best basketball down the stretch. After a year that ended in some disappointment for the 2018-2019 season, Castello was coming back for his senior campaign and was ready to leave on a high note.
The Raiders found their way into the finals of the PSAC tournament, but fell to IUP. However, Selection Sunday was friendly to them, and the Raiders were able to gain an at-large bid in the tournament. However, before their first game, the tournament was cancelled. What Castello expected not to be his last game ended up being just that. However, Castello was a member of a team that qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times in four years; a feat that many players wish they could claim.
While his college basketball career did not end how he would have liked it, his basketball career is one to look back on and many can admire. Flashing back to his high school career, Castello was a two-time PIAA all-state selection and graduated as the school’s record holder in points with 1,436 and rebounds with 1,119. As a high school senior, he averaged 18 points and 16 rebounds per game. He was first team all-section in the WPIAL in basketball and was named to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s Fab 5 after his standout play as a high school senior on the basketball court. Additionally, Castello was a fantastic tight end on the gridiron in football as well, and he turned down multiple Division I opportunities in football to pursue a collegiate career in basketball.
He was recruited by the likes of Navy, Army, Bucknell, Robert Morris, Boston College, and Duquesne. Many may be thinking that turning down Division I football for Division II basketball was the wrong decision, but Castello has stuck to that decision and never looked back. “I was so gracious for those offers in football, but there was never a doubt that I was going to pursue basketball. I am glad I chose basketball, but I will admit I do miss playing football. Those are memories I cherish”
When talking about what makes living in Mars and being a part of the athletic programs at Mars, he spoke about the strong development programs the school district has including the great coaching the school district has as well. Castello went to a catholic elementary and middle school which had great developmental basketball and youth sports programs. They taught kids the fundamentals and skills to be successful in sports and more importantly, in life. “We also had great opportunities to get better at several sports and had opportunities to take advantage of travel basketball. I think that growing up and playing against such competitive people all the time and then playing alongside them just made everyone more competitive and helped us all improve.”
When listing some of the coaches who have helped him in his development as an athlete, Castello listed Mark Ashbaugh as a coach who made a huge difference in his life in middle school. He was also quick to mention his high school basketball coach Rob Carmody who has helped the Fightin Planets basketball program in a huge way. Lastly, he spoke about Shippensburg Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Fite as the coach who helped Castello understand how to become a better defender and also encourage him to become a better three point shooter throughout his college career.
Each of these coaches had a huge role in his development, but Castello is also quick to thank the teammates he has had in both high school and college. “In high school, especially my senior year, we shared a true unbreakable bond. We have remained great friends and what we accomplished that year was special.” In college, he was fortunate enough to play with several other WPIAL stars which has been a trend for Shippensburg as of late. He listed players like Antonio Kellem and Dustin Sleva as two people who made the decision to go to Shippensburg an easy one. Shippensburg will surely continue to recruit the WPIAL as long as Mark Ashbaugh is in charge of the program because of his connections to the Pittsburgh area.
Castello also wanted to know how much he appreciates his parents Joanne and Jeff for their continued support over the years. He was also quick to thank his sisters Maria and Kate along with his brother Steven for being the most supportive siblings he could ask for. “My parents always encouraged me to be outside and do something. My brother and I along with many of our friends were always outside playing some sort of sport or game, and I think my competitiveness and love for sports starts there.”
While the stat sheet shows a rebounding machine, Castello really is not the biggest guy on the floor, but he may be the most relentless and the player with the most heart. Imagine a Dennis Rodman or Charles Barkley type player; undersized for the power-forward position, but relentless, skilled, and a pure passion to attack the glass and win the game. “Going up against Dustin Sleva every single day in practice was something that pushed me beyond belief. If I could compete with him, I really felt that I could compete with most players despite size or stature. I just love to compete and rebound. Using leverage, positioning, and strength is what I think makes me the kind of player I am.”
Over the years, Castello has had the opportunity to play basketball in Las Vegas and took a trip abroad to Spain with Shippensburg. He lists these opportunities as some of his favorite memories along with playing in the NCAA Tournament, the state title game, and the PSAC title game. “More than the games, I am thankful for the friendships I made and the bonds I share. It feels weird that I am done playing, but I am hopeful to play in some leagues in the Pittsburgh area with some of my old teammates and some of my friends.”
In a few weeks, Castello will conclude his college career and will have a degree in marketing. He is glad to be staying in the Pittsburgh area after graduation and is hopeful to have a career in sales for many years to come. He will be one of the most sought after free agents in a variety of recreational basketball leagues if pick up basketball is allowed to resume in the near future, and it is easy to see why he will be a big acquisition for a team when you mix his size, speed, skill, and heart into the equation.”Looking back, I have no regrets on my college career or the path I took, though I wish we could have played the NCAA Tournament this year, I admit,” Castello said. It was a great athletic career for Mars and soon to be Shippensburg University graduate John Castello, and in large part was because of his upbringing in Western, Pennsylvania.
Comments