After reaching the Regional Finals a year ago and going 14-0 in district play, the Fort Bend Marshall Buffaloes find themselves again at the top of 5A Region III District 20 with a perfect 14-0 record. However, this year with the versatile gameplay of senior small forward Chris Catchings, they hope to make a deeper playoff run.
“Last season we relied heavily on one person for all the scoring, this year we are trying to have several players add to the scoring,” said head coach Ronnie Courtney. “Chris is that guy that leads without saying a lot. He leads by example and he plays hard.”
Atop his Twitter page reads, “Greatness is a choice.” Catchings feels your life is a combination of all the choices you make. If you make choices with the end goal of being great, whether you achieve it or not, you strive for it, and many good things can happen for you.
“You have to be intentional about everything you do,” said Catchings. “That’s one thing my parents instilled in me since I was a little kid… And that quote sums up what I believe about how you should go about living your life.”
Catchings stands 6-feet-5 and displays an all-around game as he shoots, handles, and defends the ball well. With a strong frame, he’s described as a relentless finisher.
“I try to be as versatile as I can be,” said Catchings. I think the more things I can do on the court, the more I can help the team I’m on. Defensively, I can guard positions 1-5, and on the offensive end my versatility can cause match-up problems for the opposing team.”
Catchings’ desire to be great mixed with his versatility shows similarities to Robert Dillingham’s playing style, a 6-foot-3 guard at the University of Kentucky, who is averaging 14.8 points per game this season, and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Halliburton, who is averaging 21.8 points per game this season.
“I admire how Dillingham took his game from high school, where he was more iso ball to a college system and found a way to translate that into the system. He didn’t dial it down, but he was able to adapt to the system they put him in and still produce. Oftentimes, hoopers struggle with making the transition when they are put into systems that don’t fit their playing style, but I like his versatility,” said Catchings. “With Halliburton, at first I didn’t understand why they drafted him, but I’ve realized he’s a winner and has extreme versatility. He can pass, score, and defend, even though he might only play the point guard. He brings a lot to the game.”
Chris Catchings
IG: @chriscatchings1
Twitter: @chriscatchings1
Position: Small forward
Height & weight: 6-feet-5, 195 pounds
Players he studies: Rob Dillingham (University of Kentucky), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Status: Committed to Air Force
Favorite artists: Lucki, Lil Baby, Drake
Favorite subject: History
Shout-outs: Coach Mike Leblanc, Uncle Donald, TJ & Coach Tim, Coach Blaire, Coach Easy, Coach Larry and Houston Defenders Team
Catchings participated in baseball, football, and basketball during his early years. He initially engaged in basketball through the SYBA recreational league in Stafford, Texas, and later joined the Texas Thunder AAU team in third grade. This experience sparked his passion for basketball, leading him to prioritize it over other sports.
Transitioning to Houston Hoops in fourth and fifth grades, Catchings expanded his skills. By sixth grade, he diversified his playing experience across various teams, enhancing his versatility beyond traditional center positions. Upon entering Hightower High School after Lake Olympia Middle School, Catchings seized the opportunity to play alongside Bryce Griggs in his final year.
“Playing with players like that you get to see them put the work in every day. It’s a good experience for anybody because you know where they’re at and you see every day what they’re doing to get there, so it sets the bar. If I’m going to get where he’s at, I need to at least be doing this or that,” said Catchings.
Catchings transferred to Marshall his sophomore season and was also able to see Jaylon Lowe’s work ethic.
“Same exact thing, the work he put in was crazy. It was wild,” said Catchings.
While some would think the transfer was due to sporting reasons, Catchings’ transfer from Hightower to Marshall was strictly for academic reasons.
“Marshall had the Early College Program and it was designed to allow students to graduate with an associate degree. So overall I thought it was a better plan going forward,” said Catchings.
Catchings has been a four-year varsity participant throughout his high school basketball career. With a 3.8 GPA and the ability to guard various positions on the court, many collegiate programs hoped to land the versatile big man. Catchings chose the Air Force.
“I chose to play at Air Force next season because I could see the clear investment the coaches had in me,” said Catchings. “When I took my visit, I felt they cared about my parents’ opinions. It felt genuine. They are in a great conference. They have a great coaching staff led by Coach Scott, and the benefits you receive from the Air Force are great.”
Catchings hasn’t decided on what he’d like to study but has shown interest in becoming a physical therapist.
“I feel like a physical therapist would be something I’d like to do because it allows you to still be around athletes and sports,” said Catchings.
Catchings has maintained a flawless record in district play throughout his middle school and high school career. He has played with many notable programs, including JL3, TJ Ford and the Houston Defenders. Utilizing basketball as a means of stress relief, Catchings emphasizes the importance of relentless dedication and hard work when advising aspiring basketball players.
“Keep working on yourself and focus on producing. If you produce the people will find you,” said Catchings.
