by JERRY PAPINEAU
J-E Reporter
Mason Roland, the 5-10 senior guard for the Webster County Trojans, has had a season and career, for the record books.
Not only has the Trojans’ leading guard reached 1,000 career points this season (currently 1,049), he has set a number of school records, including the most steals in a single season with 90. The record was previously set by Cory Patmore at 84 in 2005.
Such records take many hours of hard work and practice, and is sometimes exhausting. Roland mentioned that “there are days where you don’t feel like practicing, but that’s when you remember all the hard work and hours you’ve put in and you can’t just quit now.”
Additionally, Roland now holds the school record for most consecutive free throws made with 27, a record previously held by Robert Pendleton at 26 straight.
Roland accredits his success widely to his WCHS family.
“The coaches have always been pushing me to be the best I can and without them I wouldn’t be the player I am today. My teammates are always there, pushing me in practice and making me better everyday... We’re a family, Roland stated”
He now holds the single season assists record, currently with 228 assists, a record set only a few years ago by Clay Putman who recorded 189.
Most interestingly, Mason seized a record from his current head coach and Trojan great, Jon Newton. Newton held the record for the school’s career steals, boasting 213 total. Roland recently broke that record, and currently has the bar set at 224 steals. Roland also has his eye on Newton’s career assist record.
Newton is proud to have a player on his squad to have broken his record. Newton commented, “I knew going into this season I had a couple of records in reach for Mason...Records are made to be broken so I’m happy Mason has been able to achieve success this year because he is such a great kid.”
Upon accomplishing these goals, Roland stays humble,
“It’s a great honor to be mentioned in the same group as the great players that have come through Webster County”.
And Roland offers advice to young players, “don’t stop working on your game and your hard work will pay off, not only in the season, but out of season as well. You will have to put in long hours to become better.”
Mason has also demonstrated impressive achievements off the court, holding a 3.9 grade point average while taking honor and advanced placement classes.
SENIOR YEAR STATS
16 Points Per Game
3 Rebounds Per Game
3.5 Steals Per Game
8.5 Assists Per Game
53% Field Goal
40% 3-Point Field Goal
80% Free Throw
16 Points Per Game
3 Rebounds Per Game
3.5 Steals Per Game
8.5 Assists Per Game
53% Field Goal
40% 3-Point Field Goal
80% Free Throw