High School Look Back: Mason Blair (Johnson Central)
His high school career may have come to an end earlier than he wanted it to, but Johnson Central High School’s Mason Blair can reminisce on an exceptional run throughout his four years of prep basketball. Although he was tasked with being the leader of his Golden Eagles team, Blair always gave his all and found a way to be one of his high school’s all-time best.
“I wouldn’t trade my four years playing at Johnson Central for anything,” Blair said. “I grew a lot as a player and a person and made memories I’ll never forget. I had a lot of success in my four years, with three years as a starter. I made two trips to Rupp Arena. For my career, I ended up closing in on 2,400 points and 400 career three-pointers made.”
Blair says he felt he and his team were really successful in 2016-17. On the campaign, Blair poured in 31.5 points per game while shooting a solid 43.3 percent from the field. James also grabbed 5.4 rebounds per contest for the Golden Eagles, who went 27-7 overall.
“This season at Johnson Central we had a great year,” Blair stated. “We won the Raceland Derby Classic in December and won the 57th District Tournament championship. We got beat out in the 15th Region Tournament championship, ending our season with a record of 27-7. It was a record-breaking year for me as I broke the school scoring record for points in a career with 2,364, points in a season with 1,065 and points in a game with 58.
“I also broke the state record for three-pointers made in a season with 168. I ended the year at second in the state in points per game, averaging 31.5.”
Blair, being a stellar basketball player, will continue his career, as he has signed to play at Pikeville.
“I have signed with the University of Pikeville,” Blair noted. “I would like to have a good career there and maybe try to play professionally over-seas after.”
As Blair left a mark on the Johnson Central High School boys’ basketball program, he has a message for the athletes still playing at the prep level:
“My message to all players is to make the most out of every game and every practice because there is nothing like high school basketball in Kentucky,” Blair added. “Everyone has the same common goal and that is to win their Region and play at Rupp Arena. Play with a purpose and shoot every shot with a purpose.”