Catoosa’s Caden Romo

Catoosa senior guard Caden Romo has built his high school basketball journey on quiet work and deep gratitude, drawing strength from the person he says has always set the standard in his life is his mother. “My mother, she has fought for everything we have, so she inspires me to keep going,” Romo said.​

Now a senior, Romo has grown into a steady presence for the Indians, a player who values progress as much as points. When he looks back at his time with the program, he doesn’t talk first about wins or stats. Instead, he talks about the day-to-day grind and the way his teammates have improved alongside him. “Seeing everyone’s growth from past years” is what he enjoys most about being part of the team, he said.​

In the classroom, Romo gravitates toward history, and he points to Coach Hammons as his favorite teacher he has had. That same appreciation for lessons learned is carried over to the court, where athletics has taught him to chase excellence in every area of life. “To always strive to be your best in your field, the work you put in, the success will follow,” Romo said.​

Romo also embraces the personalities that make up Catoosa’s locker room. He says teammate RJ Hall is the most vocal, while Ryder Phillips is the one who keeps everyone laughing. If there is a teammate who might get the better of him in a friendly game of PIG, Romo points to James Fath. On the road, he circles Fort Gibson as the toughest gym to play in.​

Away from basketball, Romo values time with the people closest to him. He enjoys watching movies, training to sharpen his game and spending time with family. That balance, along with a tight-knit roster, is what he loves most about Catoosa basketball. “I love that everyone has each other’s backs and is willing to put it all out there for one another,” he said.​

Ask Romo who the greatest basketball player of all time is, and he doesn’t hesitate LeBron James. It is a fitting choice for a senior who has built his own career on all-around effort, leadership and a commitment to doing things the right way for his team and his school.