Freshman Curtis Gets a Start

Trojan Coach Henry Bibby started a freshman against Wyoming. But it wasn’t guard Errick Craven of Torrance Bishop Montgomery High as expected. Rather, Bibby tabbed 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward Nick Curtis of Oxnard High.

“We needed more rebounding,” Bibby said. “In high school he averaged 15 rebounds.”

Against Wyoming, Curtis finished with six points, including the first basket of the season, and one offensive rebound.

“The players on the team told me just to relax and enjoy it,” Curtis said. “I was a little nervous when I came out for shoot-around and saw the big stadium, but I was OK.”

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David Bluthenthal seemingly remains in Bibby’s doghouse as the senior small forward did not start. Bluthenthal played 30 minutes, getting four points, six rebounds and three assists.

“I’m just going to have work my way out of it,” he said.