Prospect Spotlight: Mason Blair (2017)
Mason Blair is a rising senior shooting guard out of Johnson Central High School in Paintsville, Ky. The lethal scorer plays with consistent energy on both ends of the court, is able to get into the lane and shoots the…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingMason Blair is a rising senior shooting guard out of Johnson Central High School in Paintsville, Ky. The lethal scorer plays with consistent energy on both ends of the court, is able to get into the lane and shoots the lights out.
“I am known for my scoring ability – especially from behind the arc,” Blair said. “I averaged 22 points per game my junior year and I led the state in three-pointers made with 111. I had multiple 40+ point performances and several 30+ point games. I am now 3rd on the state record list for points in a single quarter, as last year I put 30 poits up in the 1st quarter against Belfry High School.
“I can be looked at as a combo guard also because I can handle the ball well and I can attack off the dribble to get my teammates open looks when the defense puts too much attention on me.”
Blair played a dominant role in the Golden Eagles’ success last season. The versatile athlete averaged 20.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per contest while also dishing out a significant amount of assists. This year, Blair wants to make it to Rupp Arena.
“I would really like to end my high school career playing at Rupp Arena,” Blair stated. “I was able to play there as a starter my sophomore year and there is nothing like it. So my main goal is to win the 15th Region title and lead my team to the State Tournament. Another goal of mine is to win 15th region player of the year and be in the running for Mr. Basketball.”
Blair played for the MATTS Mustangs AAU club this summer. He said he played well and improved his defense.
“I played for MATTS Mustangs,” Blair told me. “We had a heck of a year – finishing 48-9. Placing 2nd in the 17u D1 AAU Nationals. We won several tournaments including the State AAU Tournament, Big Shots Myrtle Beach, Nike Indi Hoops Challenge and The Phenom Hoops Report Southern Live Jam.
“I had a great year of AAU and I really gained some interest in the live periods. Averaged around 12 ppg and shot the ball really well. Also, I improved tremendously on the defensive end.”
In the classroom, Blair says he works hard.
“I have always been an A/B student,” he noted. “I have a 3.4 GPA and my ACT score is a 22.”
Although he hasn’t received his first offer yet, Blair says he has been shown interest from Pikeville, Georgetown College, Cedarville University, UVA-Wise, Tennessee Tech, Lipscomb and Eastern Kentucky. Blair says more coaches and programs should start to reach out because his game is unique.
“I feel like I have kind of been slept on,” Blair said. “I think my game is unique – unlike anyone else’s in the state. I can really change a game when I am on. I can light up the score board in a hurry and I can make plays that win ball games. I have always been a leader on the floor and a competitor. Although I am 6-feet-tall, I play a lot bigger than that.
“I am faster, stronger, and more athletic than I look. I know wherever I go after high school, I will work really hard and be a great 4-year player.”