Newton High School basketball star Stephon Castle was down in Orlando, Florida last week. From July 25-30, Castle participated in the 2021 NBA Top 100 camp. 

This is an even more prestigious honor than it would’ve been in previous years as the selection field was reduced to 60 players. The fact that Castle was selected with a reduced field speaks volumes. 

But the 4-star recruit didn’t take the opportunity for granted. Castle feels as if he soaked up a lot of knowledge in those five days. 

“My coaches told me to always stay level-headed,” Castle said. “Always play hard and that will carry me through this next season.”  

Through the camp, NBA players provide hands on training. Current and former players like Rajon Rondo (Los Angeles Clippers), Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers) and Josh Smith (former Atlanta Hawk, Detroit Piston, and Houston Rocket) were just a few of the players assisting with the camp. 

Participants in the camp go through series of drills, tournaments and general basketball techniques. The whole goal is to help each individual player improve on his craft. 

It’s worked for the past 26 years, too. 

The camp has seen over 300 high school players go through and make it to the NBA. 

Castle’s head coach, Charlemagne Gibbons was excited to hear that one of his players was selected. 

Gibbons’ hope, though, is that Castle will take the knowledge he attained and apply it to the entire Rams squad during the 2021-22-basketball season. 

“I think he’s getting better at leading with a more vocal tone,” Gibbons said. “If he can continue to work on that during these next couple of months, he’ll really be ready for the start of the season.”

Castle is a 6’6 junior point guard for the Rams. The 2021-22 season will tip-off on Nov. 30 at Archer High School per Maxpreps.