Intro: Kasai Burton (2022)
Kasai Burton isn’t your typical freshman standout. At 5-foot-10 inches, the starting point guard is averaging 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3.7 steals per game in his first season of varsity basketball. However, the way he plays isn’t…
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Continue ReadingKasai Burton isn’t your typical freshman standout.
At 5-foot-10 inches, the starting point guard is averaging 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3.7 steals per game in his first season of varsity basketball.
However, the way he plays isn’t so unorthodox as much as where he plays.
Cornered in rural Southeastern Oklahoma, Burton plays at 3A Tishomingo High School, where his father has coached since the 2017 season.
“I’m harder on him than anyone,” said Kasai’s father and Tishomingo Head Coach Ronnie Burton. “It’s been fun, but challenging.”
Burton expressed the difficulties of receiving exposure at a small school, despite producing number to marvel at.
“I get overlooked because they normally just say the competition is easier,” Burton said. “I just have to grind harder and do almost everything right for (colleges) to look at me.”
Still, his play speaks for itself. His team-leading 17.3 points per game has led the Indians (7-13) in what has been a rebuilding season for Tish. He hopes to solidify his name amongst small-school royalty within the next few years.
Burton said his best skill that he brings to the table is his ability to create his own shots and get his teammates the ball. His film roll would be a testament to that statement. But he still is far from done. With three varsity seasons ahead of him, Burton said he has already had to make adjustments at the high school level.
“At the high school level, I have to make faster decisions,” Burton said, “and just reading the defense is a lot harder. With the intensity of other teams being able to watch film, I can’t just go into a game and know a move is going to work.”
Burton’s career-high came in the early season when he dropped 37 points against in-conference rival Atoka. He will have three more seasons to best that mark.
“I’m a gym rat,” Burton said, “and every game I’m gonna go out there and give it all I got no matter what.”
“He’s matured a lot,” Ronnie said. “He still has a lot to improve though.”
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