The Silent Star in Class 4A

The state of Oklahoma is filled with high school basketball stars these days. Most of which when they enter the gym everyone knows very clearly who they are and just how great they are on the court. There is one player however who will not enter Deer Creek High School today as a star in many people’s eyes.

This player is not the tallest, strongest, or biggest by any means. Do not let the physical appearance of him fool you though. He is a rising star. 

Brennen Burns Brennen Burns 5'10" | PG Bethany | 2020 State OK is the silent star in Class 4A. Last Friday night Burns led his team to take down the mighty 47 game win streak of Kingfisher High. Burns does not mind being the underdog. In fact, he embraces it. 

" I play with a chip on my shoulder," said Burns. "The main reason I do is because it is a great chance to prove yourself to someone every time."

Burns has several things that make him the person and player he is on the floor. When you see him fearlessly attacking the basket this weekend in the Class 4A State Tournament this might be why.

"I would say my mom is the biggest reason for who I am," said Burns. "We have been huge Westbrook fans and like the energy, he brings every game."

Burns has not seen the biggest recruitment from his projected level NCAA D2 or JUCO. Many doubt him because of his height and lack of size. Let’s be honest we have seen many smaller Point Guards kill it at the D2 and JUCO level that is under 6’0. Burns has done his best to show everyone he can score at all three levels including some nasty elevating dunks. Over this season he has blossomed as a scorer and creator for others at the Point. Throughout the season Burns has done his best to focus on the court and less at the lack of noise around his recruitment. 

"My recruitment was very slow coming into my senior year," said Burns. "It has picked up as the year has gotten closer to ending."

The biggest reason for the pick up in recruitment is the production on the court. Numbers do not lie. Burns through 26 games this season has scored 553 points for an average of 21.3 per game. Burns is shooting 65% from inside the arc and 34% from three-point range. At the free-throw line, Burns is near-automatic at 81%. The way Burns is able to contribute beyond scoring is just as impressive as his scoring numbers. 3.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.7 steals per game round out his season averages per game. The scoring high of 41 points against John Marshall was a night many around Bethany basketball will never forget. 

Making the State Tournament has been a goal his entire career. Now Burns can say he has done that in his final year at Bethany high school. 

"Making it to state my senior year has felt like a big accomplishment," said Burns. I have been playing with this group of guys since I was little. Now we have to this far and given ourselves a chance. I feel like the hard work is paying off."

Burns will walk into Deer Creek under the gym lights on Thursday an underdog yet again. But he does not mind it one bit. Burns is 76 points away from becoming the all-time career points leader in school history. If Burns hits over 76 points there is a great chance Bethany will be playing for a Gold Ball in Class 4A on Saturday night.