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03/10/2021 11:00 PMMason Gorham has been pouring home the points for the Haddam-Killingworth boys’ basketball team in recent weeks. A sophomore guard, Mason is averaging 22 points per game in his last five contests for the Cougars, who have won three of four to improve to 4-4 on the year.
Mason turned in a huge performance when H-K earned an 80-52 victory against Hale-Ray on March 1, scoring 26 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists. Then on March 4, Mason had 18 points to help the Cougars notch a 61-57 win versus Coginchaug.
“Definitely over the years, I have learned to be more and more aggressive. I think it really came together this year,” says Mason. “Last year, I was very tentative most games. But this year, I have definitely been more aggressive and more confident.”
Head Coach Jim Abbott saw how Mason had transformed his game during the early goings of the 2021 season. Abbott likes that Mason is taking a more aggressive approach on the court and knows it’s imperative for the sophomore to continue playing that way.
“Mason has improved every game. It is tough to lean on a sophomore, but he has more than handled it,” Abbott says. “He makes everyone around him better. I just hope he continues to improve and continues to make other guys around him better. No one works harder than him in practice and on his own time.”
Mason enjoys several different aspects of playing basketball. The most rewarding part of the experience for Mason is spending quality time with his teammates both in and out of competition.
“My favorite aspect of the sport is the team aspect of sure,” says Mason. “I have been playing basketball for seven years. I started in the 3rd grade. There is nothing better than hanging out with my team both on and off the court.”
H-K got out to a bit of a slow start by losing three of its first four games this winter. However, the Cougars have bounced back nicely to get back to the .500 mark, including victories in both of last week’s contests.
“This season started off rough, but I think if we keep playing like we did in these last few games, we can be contenders in the Shoreline Tournament,” says Mason. “I think a good goal for us would be to first get over .500 and then make a good run in the tournament.”
One of the biggest influences in Mason’s game is his father Matt. Mason regularly trains with his dad and always goes to him whenever he needs advice on how to enhance his skills.
“He has had the biggest impact on my career of anyone. The best way I improve my game is working with my dad,” Mason says, noting that he and his dad “will stay outside for hours working on my shot and trying to improve my game. Whenever I am in a tough spot in basketball, he will always work with me to get out of it. I definitely think how I am today because of him.”
Mason also credits Coach Abbott for his steady improvement as a basketball player. Mason and Abbott have a connection that goes beyond the game.
“He understands me as a player, and we have a great connection on and off the court,” says Mason. “Coach Abbott has helped me grow as a player during my time at H-K.”
Mason is aiming to help the Cougars finish out the 2021 campaign strong by making some noise in the Shoreline Conference Tournament. Mason’s long-term goal is to continue improving his skills and eventually compete at the next level for a top-notch college.
“That is definitely my goal. My vision to get to college is working as hard as I can to get to the highest level possible that I can achieve, regardless of what division,” Mason says. “I think if I keep doing what I’m doing and keep lifting more weights over the years, it should work out fine. But I have to make sure to put the work in.”