Colorado Prospect Spotlight: Sam Masten (2018)
When Sam Masten got the word that Chancey Billups wanted him to work out with the group of the state’s top players on New Year’s Day, the 6-foot-3 Rock Canyon guard jumped at the chance to work out with the…
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Continue ReadingWhen Sam Masten got the word that Chancey Billups wanted him to work out with the group of the state’s top players on New Year’s Day, the 6-foot-3 Rock Canyon guard jumped at the chance to work out with the former NBA star.
Then again, Masten doesn’t miss many chances to improve his game these days.
That much has been clear during a highly impressive start to his sophomore campaign. He has stepped into a go-to roll while helping 10-2 Rock Canyon bolt into the state’s top-10 rankings while looking the part of title contender.
After the Jaguars lost its two top scorers from a season ago, Masten knew, even as an underclassman, that he had to be prepared to step up.
“I think it’s just the ability to take over games,” Masten said of his biggest adjustment from his freshman to sophomore season. “Last year we had Mitch (Lombard) and Tyler (Garcia), and if the game was close we gave it to them and just kind of fed off that. I think this year I have step up and get us baskets when we need them and get us into our (offense).”
Masten, a Division I-caliber guard who has already received a scholarship offer from Air Force, attacks the basket at an elite level. He is masterful at creating space with a quick first step, and he has a soft touch in traffic. He’s deft at selling his movement one way, only to swing his body away from the defense at the last second, helping him draw contact and making three-point plays a common occurrence. He also has a strong mid-range game, with the ability to pull up in transition or pull it off screens.
Key for Masten of late is the development of a rapidly improving 3-point shot. If that becomes a consistent weapon, he will become increasingly difficult to guard.
“My jump shot has gotten better,” Masten said. “It was a little rough in the beginning, but I’ve been working on it a lot and it’s starting to get better. I’ve just got to keep working on it. Teams are starting to play off a little bit, so if I can get that (jumper) going, they have to play tighter and it opens up everything even more than it already is.”
Coming off a season-high 27 points on Saturday in a 74-47 victory over Smoky Hill, Masten is averaging 16 points per game, but his impact far exceeds his scoring ability. He orchestrates everything Rock Canyon does on offense, demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of the game that further enhances an impressive skill set.
“His ability to lead has been outstanding,” Rock Canyon coach Kent Grams said of Masten. “Last year he was a complementary player to Mitch and Tyler, and this year he’s had to have more on his shoulders. We look for him to do a lot off different things. He’s got to score for us, and at the same time he has to create opportunities for other guys. His maturity and his ability to lead has really grown.”