Sophomore Mason turning it on

For a lot of prospects, especially post players, the switch clicks, and a prospects' game goes to another level. This is exactly what has happened for Christ Presbyterian Academy sophomore Zaccheus Mason.

Playing his first year of varsity basketball this year, Mason, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward out of Nashville, Tenn., was putting up more than respectful numbers before an early season broken wrist. Since coming back from the injury just before Christmas, Mason has averaged 25 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks per game.

"The switch clicked for him during his injury," said CPA head coach and former Vanderbilt standout Drew Maddux. "Now he is playing with a sense of urgency on every possession. He is much more willing to compete on both ends of the court on every possession."

With Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Xavier, Clemson, Mississippi State, Alabama and Florida presently recruiting Mason, Maddux pointed out two schools that are on his forward the hardest.

"Vanderbilt and Clemson have both watched him this fall," said Maddux. "Vanderbilt invites him to all their games, and I think Clemson might be ready to just move one of their assistants down here. They love 'Z' and some other prospects around here. The other schools got their look at 'Z' during the summer when he was playing with the Tennessee Tigers."

Blessed with natural strength, great hands and a soft shooting touch, Maddux is certain that Mason is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.

"Regardless of whether he grows more, 'Z' is a high-major player. We haven't even tapped into his full skill set. Not only is he a tremendous rebounder, but he has a tremendous shooting touch. He is probably the second best three-point shooter on our team."