​Three schools, three different seasons.John Castrilla’s collegiate basketball journey started at Bryant and Stratton and ended at Fredonia State University.“It’s something I wouldn’t change, but I wouldn’t do it again,” the Jefferson graduate said.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCastrilla, a 1000-plus point scorer for the Falcons, has decided to hang up the basketball shoes in the college setting.“Based on my body, it wasn’t probably worth it [to play another season],” he said.After playing for Bryant and Stratton, and earning a two-year degree in Sales, Castrilla tried to play at Marietta College.Circumstances prevented that from happening, though, so Castrilla pondered his next step.“I left [Marietta] before the season, and started checking out schools that had recruited me,” he said. “State University of New York at Fredonia showed the main interest.”Castrilla’s first practice with New York State public university was Jan. 2.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“My first game was Jan. 3 [against Hartwick College],” he said. “It was probably the most nervous I’d been in a while.”Castrilla played 22 minutes in his second outing.“By Game 2, the nerves kind of went away,” he said. “I broke a sweat and had body contact.”Castrilla said he missed the next three games with COVID.Overall, he appeared in 11 games, and averaged 3 points per game for the Blue Devils.Against SUNY Morrisville Jan. 27, Castrilla scored 10 points in 26 minutes. Both were season-high totals.“The facilities were good, and had a cool vibe, for sure,” he said. “My first shot was a three [-pointer], then I made a good reverse layup.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I made something like my first two shots, or went 3 of 4. That made me feel comfortable. For the situation of joining the team halfway through the season, I couldn’t have done much better.”Fredonia, which is located past Erie and just into New York state, is a Division III athletics school that participates in the State University of New York Athletic Conference.“I’m thankful they let me join the team,” Castrilla said. “I couldn’t complain too much. I had know the coaches, and Ethan [Sokolowski] from junior college. Everyone was real nice.”Throughout his journey, Castrilla said each place brought something different, but in the end, a couple of common themes emerged.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I learned how not to take a no for an answer,” he said. “I also learned to try and take day at a time, and not get too high or low.”Castrilla said he’s content with how the overall situation transpired.“I wouldn’t change anything,” he said. “There were a lot of ups and downs.”With college basketball finished, Castrilla said his goal to get a job in the business field.At some point, he said he would like coach high school basketball.“I’m staying in Ashtabula until further notice,” he said.And just because he’