Central High School sophomore guard Andre (Dre) Applewhite is playing under the shadow of two towering figures. One would be his coach and father, Andre Applewhite. Standing at 6’7”, Applewhite Sr. is quite an intimidating figure. In his ninth season as head coach of the Central Warriors, Applewhite Sr. has been a steadying influence on his son Dre.
“My mom and dad are definitely a big influence,” responded Dre Applewhite. “They keep me grounded and in line.”
The second towering figure would be 6’8” sophomore big-man Jarnell Stokes. Stokes, who came in at #6 on ESPN Scouts, Inc’s Terrific 25, is hard not to miss. Commanding massive amounts of space in the paint and the attention of the entire opposing team, Stokes has been thrown into the limelight. For Dre, though, the spotlight being focused on Stokes is not a bad thing.
“Jarnell and I have known each other for a long time,” Applewhite said. “I am happy to see him do so well. We know each other inside and out, and I feel like we are going to do some big stuff.”
In last Friday night’s game against White Station High School, Applewhite and his Central team fell 77-68. Dre Applewhite is the kind of player that does a lot of small things in a quiet manner, all while helping his team win. He has a college-ready body right now. Applewhite contributed 11 of the Warriors points while applying pressure defense on the varied hot-hand for the Spartans. Guarding anyone from the shooting guard to the power forward position, Applewhite brings a high level of energy to the defensive end along with a great build and frame for a sophomore.
“I just bring a lot of energy. That’s my M.O.,” Applewhite said. “That’s my main goal. I just feel like it’s my defense. With my height and abilities, I feel like I can help my team with that but I can also go in and rebound. I look at my defense as part of my offense.”
For right now, Dre Applewhite is focused on making sure that he has good grades while getting better going into the summer. Applewhite comes in at 6′5 1/2″ 197-pounds and is currently averaging 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.1 steals and 1 block per game. From speaking with him after the White Station game, it is obvious that he knows he has a chance to get noticed on the national stage this summer.
“I am working on my ball-handling skills and my guard skills,” Applewhite explained. “I am working on my jumper and just everything all-around.”
Applewhite also spoke to his desire to learn from Central senior and Tulsa-signee Tim Peete. Speaking highly of Peete, Applewhite explained that he open to learning from Peete and hopes to become a leader in the same way one day. Much like Peete, Applewhite is getting some attention from Tulsa along with a few other schools.
“Missouri, Tulsa, Memphis, and Marquette are all starting to talk to me and that’s about it right now,” responded Applewhite.
Central now sits at (15-3, 4-1) and still has a chance to compete for a state championship. Applewhite is certain they can get there.
“Look out for us,” declared Applewhite. “Championships don’t come in January; they come late in the season.”
EXTRAS
Q: What do you like to eat before or after a game?
A: “I love chicken. I just love meat.”
Q: What is something about you that most people don’t know?
A: “I am just silly. I am really silly. I am a very fun-loving guy and just love to have fun.”
Q: Do you play video games or mess with Twitter or Facebook?
A: Yeah, I play video games. I play NBA live and Madden. And yeah, I do both [Facebook and Twitter].”
HIGHLIGHTS OF APPLEWHITE FROM CENTRAL VS. WHITE STATION
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