6p 5a 5r 1b 2s vs MLE, 9p 1r 3a 4s vs VA Havoc

-Mason performed as one of the best defenders that I saw this weekend, serving as a pitbull POA defender or thriving as a free safety in DCA’s fullcourt pressure schemes to jump passing lanes and quickly turn those turnovers into points at the rim. I saw more flashes of guard skill in the games this week as Mason took defensive rebounds up the floor quickly and made good decisions in advantage breaks for his team. Mason closed out well to block 3 point attempts without fouling, doubled down on bigs to contest shots, and stayed disciplined on pump fakes on-ball to force some tough shots in the halfcourt. Loved seeing the stat sheet-stuffing performances as his all-around impact stood out despite fouling out of the 2nd game early in the 1H for hanging on the rim.

-Mason’s dynamic athleticism really stood out over the course of the weekend as a downhill slashing guard that wills his way to the rim. I liked the decisiveness of his drives from the perimeter, catching the ball in Spain actions and either using or rejecting the screen to get downhill to finish with authority. Mason was active on the offensive glass to create extra possessions for his team but also served as a switchable guard that closed out possessions at the defensive end of the floor with blocks or deflections or rebounds. He broke the game open with a putback dunk with one hand and later sliced backdoor from the corner to catch a pocket pass in stride and throw down a 2-handed poster dunk at the rim. Loved how contagious his energy was for the rest of the team, emboldening more timid teammates and flipping the momentum in games.