Mason Lankford, Gruver basketball, Soph.
On the court: Lankford had a tremendous past week. Not only did he lead his Greyhounds to a win over Sanford-Fritch to complete District 1-2A unbeaten, but the savvy sophomore put on quite the show during the Leslie Broadhurst Playoff Preview at Randall High School on Friday.
Gruver stayed unbeaten on the year at 19-0 in an 80-37 thumping of Hale Center, and Lankford was the main catalyst behind the victory, as he lit up the Owls for 25 points (12-of-17 from the floor) to go with 11 rebounds for a double-double, adding six assists with five steals.
On the season, Lankford is rolling, averaging 19 points a night for Gruver, shooting 60 percent from the field on top of averaging 8.6 boards, 4.7 assists and 4.2 steals.
Coach Brittin East: “Mason has found ways to improve in small ways. He has always had a complete game, but he has elevated his shooting, he has put an emphasis on rebounding and his defense. He is averaging close to 10 boards a night and his defense is tremendous. He does all the leadership things a coach can ask for and he has become very vocal. He’s just a special player and an honor to coach. He has all the tools and he’s a great example of hard work paying off.”
Lankford: “I feel like we are really starting to click and starting to play great basketball as a team. We are shooting better, and our defense is playing really well right now. We have to keep improving and never be satisfied. As for myself, I wanted to be a better rebounder this year. Being one of the taller players on the team, I needed to step up that way. I also wanted to be a better leader. We have a lot of leaders on this team and that is what makes us special. Everyone is here for one another.”
About Lankford
Favorite band or musician: Waylon Wyatt
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan
Bet you didn’t know: He loves to cook.
Parents: Trent and Bethany Lankford.