ADAMS TWP — John Castello’s style was built long before he ever played for the Mars boys basketball program.

Castello boxes out. He charges after loose balls.

He doesn’t mind catching inadvertent elbows in the face when going for rebounds.

Getting the fundamentals and attitude down was something he learned from his dad, who enjoyed watching the San Antonio Spurs team-oriented style of play.

“When I was little, he helped influence me with basketball,” Castello said. “He taught me how to box out and get to loose balls. That’s where the seed was planted.”

The 6-foot-5 junior forward’s love of doing the dirty work has continued to blossom.

For his efforts — Castello led Mars with 17.1 points and 14 rebounds per game — he was named the Butler Eagle Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Castello was chosen over Seneca Valley’s Zach Snyder and Slippery Rock’s Jake Whitmer.

Castello was a tour-de-force for the Planets, who set a program record for wins (26) and advanced to the PIAA Class AAA quarterfinals for the first time.

Of all the things he does, Castello is most proud of the rebounding.

“It is the number one thing I bring. Someone has to do it,” Castello said. “I love doing it. Even if you’re taking some elbows and shots to the face and everything, getting the big win is worth it.”

Planets coach Rob Carmody believes Castello’s impact goes way beyond his basketball ability.

After Mars beat Beaver Falls 69-66 in the second round of the state playoffs, Castello, who scored 29 points and had 22 rebounds, joined in celebrating someone else’s achievement.

He was thrilled Bailey Trzeciak came off the bench and knocked down two big 3-pointers.

“He’s a unique kid. He has great character,” Carmody said of Castello. “He was more excited for Bailey. That’s authentic, that’s what makes him a special player.”

The Planets’ foundation and chemistry for their record-setting season was laid in Las Vegas shortly before Christmas.

Late nights, spent bowling and people-watching, set the tone for what turned out to be a record-setting group.

“We went to Fremont Street (in Las Vegas) and saw some pretty interesting people on the strip, which was fun,” Castello said. “We went to the Stratosphere Park and rode some thrill rides. We bonded well and had a great time.”

The fun didn’t stop when Mars returned from Vegas.The Planets reeled off 17 straight wins.

Castello also creeped closer to 1,000 points and Carmody said he’s about 250 rebounds away from 1,000.

“He has an ability of anyone I’ve had the luxury of coaching, being able to tip the ball to himself,” Carmody said. “He gets rebounds in so many different ways. His timing, his instincts and ability to follow the flight of the ball and what side of the rim it’s going to go, it is a unique ability.

“I’ve coached some good basketball players, but never anyone with hands like John.”

Castello is on pace to break Christian Locher’s school record for points scored.

Locher holds the all-time lead with 1,290.

Castello has scored 898 points in the last two seasons.

He doesn’t plan to stop chasing loose balls or fighting for the rebounds, either.

“I think we surprised a lot of people,” Castello said. “(Next) year, we’re not going to surprise anybody. We want to try to get to the WPIAL championship and try to win a state championship. Our expectations will be higher.”