Arizona's 2022 Class is very strong in the state, as there are many prospects in the class that have already received loads of national recruiting attention. Another prospect that is definitely on the rise in the class is AZ Compass Prep's 6-foot-3, 180-pound rising junior combo-guard Mekhi Mason. One of the top overall guard prospects in the state, Mason had a coming-out party recently while playing in the Pangos Best of Arizona League, and as a result has received his first Division-I scholarship offer, and now has much more recruiting interest for himself, as a result.
Mason has been regarded by our Arizona Preps' staff as one of the top guard prospects in the class for some time, but he has quietly waited for his turn to take center stage. A very unselfish performer, Mason lets his basketball do the talking and is not very vocal, on or off the court. As a result, unless you know him and have an excellent feel for the state's top basketball prospects, you will not have known or still don't know just how good this young man is. But anyone watching him compete in last month's Pangos Best of Summer League were introduced to this young man's unique talent and potential for the future.
In the league, Mason had numerous strong performances, and on the last night of the League, he exploded for 30+ points in a league game, and against some of the state's elite players. On one particular play, Mason traveled the length of the floor in transition with the basketball in his hands. While it looked as though the unselfish Mason would look to find an open teammate on the break, he instead attacked the rim and dunked over a back-peddling defender with aggression - surprising everyone in attendance with his extreme bounce and finishing ability. The exciting play proved something quickly - this young man has a lot in his bag. The play left me wanting to see much more of him, and soon.
As a result of Mason's performance in the league, he quickly received his first Division-I offer from North Carolina A&T, a tremendous honor for Mason, as he is now just entering his junior year of high school. But many more schools have now also shown interest, and are also wanting to see this young man play again very soon - as soon as the NCAA permits. I look for Mason to generate many more offers for himself over time, as he is a talent and makes the game look very easy, as a result of the nice pace that he plays at.
Mason was a standout performer last season as a sophomore for Chandler High School, one of the state's most talented programs. The finished with a 19-9 overall record in the state's top 6A Division, before falling to eventual state champion runner-up Mountain Pointe HS in the 6A state playoffs. Mason was a strong contributor on a talented lineup as a sophomore - averaging 11.2 points, 4.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per/contest.
Recently, like many other top-rated high school prospects in the state, Mason decided to change high school programs, and will now suit up next high school season for the loaded AZ Compass Prep basketball program, which should do wonders for Mason's recruitment and exposure to college coaches, as the Compass Prep gymnasium will be filled weekly with college coaches from around the country, as a result of the program's recent success and the large amount of college prospects at the program.
His best years are well ahead of him though, and he is now just coming into his own as a college prospect. Mason has excellent upside for the future, and an advanced understanding and feel for the game. The son of a current and long-time successful basketball coach in the state, Victor Mason, Mekhi has been around the game all of his life, and it shows, as he loves the game. I have watched this young man grow up over many years, and now he is growing into a serious college prospect.
As a college prospect, Mason is a nice find - a long and athletic combo-guard with an excellent feel for the game. He has a strong handle of the basketball and plays at a very nice pace, very seldom seen from high school players. He plays fast when he needs to and also slows the ball down to make the best decision often. A very craft player that is a throw-back of sorts in his approach. He has excellent play-making ability, so he can play at several different positions on the court. His ability to find others and make players around him better is very intriguing. The better players around him, the better he looks.
Mason is a very good shooter of the basketball with excellent range on his shot and a quick release. He also sets up defenders nicely for strong drives to the basket and floaters in the lane. Very shifty off the dribble. Strong in the open floor and an excellent finisher. A strong ball handler and passer. An active rebounder that uses his length to collect balls outside of his area. A strong defender that plays passing lanes often, and is a lock-down on-the-ball defender that absolutely frustrates opposing guards.
Mason's best years are well ahead of him, as he has serious upside for the future. North Carolina A&T made an excellent decision to get in early on him, and I would expect many more college programs to follow suit over time. He will become a solid all-around performer that makes a team and program better, on and off the floor. A fine young man.
Mason, like many other top-rated prospects in his class and the 2023 Class, will be playing for the Nike-sponsored Arizona Supreme club program.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: As a college prospect, Mason is a nice find - a long and athletic combo-guard with an excellent feel for the game. He has a strong handle of the basketball and plays at a very nice pace, very seldom seen from high school players. He plays fast when he needs to and also slows the ball down to make the best decision often. A very craft player that is a throw-back of sorts in his approach. He has excellent play-making ability, so he can play at several different positions on the court. His ability to find others and make players around him better is very intriguing. The better players around him, the better he looks. Mason is a very good shooter of the basketball with excellent range on his shot and a quick release. He also sets up defenders nicely for strong drives to the basket and floaters in the lane. Very shifty off the dribble. Strong in the open floor and an excellent finisher. A strong ball handler and passer. An active rebounder that uses his length to collect balls outside of his area. A strong defender that plays passing lanes often, and is a lock-down on-the-ball defender that absolutely frustrates opposing guards. Mason's best years are well ahead of him, as he has serious upside for the future. He will become a solid all-around performer that makes a team and program better, on and off the floor. A fine young man.
