Prospect Spotlight: Mason Stewart-Carothers (2019 Beaverton HS)
Heading into the season, the Beaverton Beavers may just be a team to watch out for. A big reason why – Mason Stewart-Carothers. The senior guard may not strike fear into opponents with his lithe 5-foot-10, 135-pound frame, but there’s no question his game does the talking. Stewart-Carothers is one of the smoothest shooters in the state and he put those skills on display as he helped lead the Beavers to the title of the HoopSource Fall League.
It was a fitting end to Stewart-Carothers’ off-season, one that started with AAU ball with Rose City Basketball. “It was my first year with the team and it was a good experience, it was fun,” Stewart-Carothers said. “We didn’t do that well but it was a good learning experience as that was the first time that we played some of the elite teams from California, Nevada, and the West Coast.”
Stewart-Carothers’ calling card with his game is his sweet shooting stroke. He has a quick release and has tight rotation on the basketball, and knows how to find spots for easy catch-and-shoot opportunities. But on the circuit he got more of an opportunity to play the point and develop more of his overall game.
“I think I got a lot better (individually),” Stewart-Carothers said. “Last year, doing the high school season I didn’t drive the ball as much as I should have and I think I got more comfortable getting into the paint and dishing it off or shooting a floater.”
Recruiting interest is just starting for Stewart-Carothers, who noted that Clark College has been the main one in contact. He’s appreciative of the interest and is obviously hoping for more as the season goes along. “Pretty much what I’m looking for a team, whether it’s high school or AAU, I want to fit in well,” Carothers said. “I want to like the guys on the team as creating friendships is an important part – because if you’re friends on the team then you’re going to perform better. If it’s possible I’ll stay to close to home, but I’m keeping my options open.”
With a fall league title in hand, Stewart-Carothers is hopeful that the momentum leads to more winning this upcoming season. “I think we’re going to be pretty good,” Stewart-Carothers said. “The chemistry we’re going to have is going to better than last year because some of the guys are returning and playing well and we all know each other so it’s going to be pretty good season.”
Stewart-Carothers currently ranks as the #67 player in the PrepHoops Class of 2019 rankings.