Mohonasen High School Senior Grant Massaroni

 

 

 

 

Grant Massaroni is the type of student-athlete that truly embodies what we at Upstate Scouting Service are working for. He is an excellent basketball player, of course, but a very mature and respectable young man. The following is an email interview conducted with Grant and it is clear to see that he has an incredibly level head. We would like to wish Grant and his Mohonasen team luck this season.

Upstate Scouting Service: What type of student are you?

Grant Massaroni:  I am an A student who enjoys school. Obviously, I am a student-athlete and not an athlete-student, so school comes first for me. I like waking up and going to school. I enjoy my classes and enjoy being around my friends and doing group projects with class groups. I also enjoy the clubs and activities my school offers, including history club,(and) Spanish Honor Society.

U.S.S.: Give some personal statistics from last school season and how the school team did (record and how far you made it in Sectionals, etc)

G.M.:  Last year, our team was 11-7 heading into Sectionals. We had a bye the first stage of Sectionals and then won the first game in against Lansingburgh. We had a tough loss in an overtime game against Scotia that was heartbreaking, but hopefully we can advance to the championship game this year and bring back another title. I managed to put up 12 points per game last year and grab six rebounds per game, too. Averaging four assists and only coming off the court due to foul trouble.

U.S.S: What are your team and personal expectations for this coming season? Also who, or what, has been your biggest basketball influence?

G.M.:  I expect Mohon to compete all year long and be at the top of the Suburban Council. We lost a lot of players from last year’s graduating class, but this year is definitely not a rebuilding year. We have seniors now that have some varsity game experience and some very valuable juniors that are coming up from J.V. From my experience as a three-year varsity starter, I have realized that teams that win have leaders. My goal this year is to lead this team the best I can to another sectional championship. My biggest basketball influence, Coach Claudio Robustiano, was my CDYBL coach from 5th grade to 8th grade. He has drilled the concept of ‘team first’ basketball and embellished on the fundamentals of basketball. His style of play mirrored the varsity program at the time. This prepared me for when it was my time to tryout for Coach Dagostino. Now, being the Freshman Coach for Mohon, he is always on the bench during varsity games, so he is always critiquing my game and giving me advice. He is a mentor, a scout and a role model all rolled up into one person.

U.S.S: What level do you hope to play at and what colleges have shown interest in you?

G.M.: Every kid’s dream that loves basketball, of course, would love to play at the Division 1 level, but over time I have realized that Division 1 isn’t on the agenda for me. I have come to realize that my abilities are best suited for the Division 3 level and possibly the Division 2 level. I have gotten looks from some Division 2 and 3 schools , but my main focus is on my major. No decision is set in stone yet; I’m just going to let the season play out and eventually my parents and I need to make the decision to where I am heading. I just want to get a great education and be a contributor whereever I go to college, but right now I want to focus on the season at hand and help my team win every game we can this year.

U.S.S.: What is your height/weight/ position and AAU team?

G.M.: 6’3”, 215 pounds. In college I think I would be a combo 2/3.  I have played AAU ball with the Albany City Rocks from 5th grade through this past season. This season I have concentrated on improving my game with Steven Dagostino and Dags Basketball. My goal in working with Dags Basketball was to elevate my game so I can perform to the best of my ability and contribute to the Mohonasen Basketball team, beginning November 5th and hopefully through to a sectional championship.

U.S.S.: What are some of your interests outside of basketball?

G.M.:  Outside of basketball, I enjoy playing video games, hanging out with my friends, and enjoying different family functions.

U.S.S.: What grade level are you currently and what varsity experience have you had in basketball?

G.M.:  I am a senior at Mohonasen High School and a three-year varsity starter. I was a part of the 2010-11 team that shared the Suburban Council South title and Class A Sectional Championship team.

U.S.S.: Here, just tell the reader anything you would like them to know about you personally.

G.M.: Personally, I love being around the game of basketball. I always have a ball in my hand and if you cannot find me, I am most likely in the gym working on my game. I expect our team to make a run in sectionals and bring home another title because I will be an unhappy graduate if another title isn’t on my resume.

 Josh Skinner-Staff writer