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Mason Hurst’s basketball journey began as an eager 6-year-old in his local YMCA league. Two years later, he became infatuated with the sport, begging his parents to take him to the court daily.

“That’s when we knew this wasn’t another phase. Basketball was his thing,” Hurst’s father, Donnie Hurst, said.

Hurst’s early dedication eventually paid off. He rose to Watertown High School’s varsity squad, eventually breaking into its starting five as a junior last season. There, the point guard earned All-Frontier League honors while averaging 13.0 points, 4.6 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game.

The ride wasn’t smooth, though. At a young age, Hurst played on “stacked teams” and held a nearly unbroken string of victories in his YMCA league. But as the competition increased, losses began to haunt him. It was an entirely new feeling for Hurst.

“He didn’t really know how to lose until he got to modified basketball,” Donnie said. “That’s when he learned to handle disappointment.”

That feeling came to fruition last season, too. Watertown led West Genesee by 15 points in the Class AA Sectional Quarterfinals. But the Cyclones allowed the Wildcats to come back in a 78-62 loss. The defeat fueled Hurst to improve.

“He’s trying not to have that result happen again this year,” Watertown head coach Ed Adams said. “He took that experience and carried it into this season.”

Injuries have tested Hurst along the way. He’s rolled his ankle multiple times on the court but has used each setback as a way to come back stronger.

His commitment extends beyond recovery. This past offseason, Hurst worked to improve his defense and his overall confidence — qualities Adams said have set him apart. He even registered his first-ever dunk as a junior, a milestone Donnie recalled as one of his proudest moments as Hurst’s father.

Mason Hurst separates from his defender and puts up an easy right-handed layup. With Watertown, Hurst has evolved into the team’s top player, averaging 13.0 points per game. Courtesy of Donnie Hurst

Throughout his career, Hurst has employed his teachers at Watertown for advice, also attempting to model his game after National Basketball Association legend Stephen Curry. Hurst said his strategy enables him to go all in during practice and games, while Adams called his IQ “off the charts.”

“He makes the right play, whether it’s a tough pass, a key rebound or a shot from outside,” Adams said.

Off the court, Hurst is recognized for his humility and quiet confidence. Donnie said he’s always been shy despite his success on the court, never boasting about his athletic accomplishments. But varsity basketball broke him out of his shell, especially now that he’s assumed a leadership role as a captain.

This summer, Hurst worked as a mentor to younger players at Watertown’s basketball camp. Adams praised his effort at the clinic, staying after hours to work with the kids, which in turn can push him to more success in his own game.

Now in his senior year, Hurst’s objectives are simple: win the league and make a deep push in sectionals, even with a challenging schedule. Adams also said Hurst will become more of a shooting guard rather than a point guard and has the skillset to dominate tougher opponents.

“You’ll see him being one of the top players in our league,” Adams said. “When we play some of those Syracuse area teams, I think it’ll show he’s as good as anybody (opposing teams) have as well.”

Because of his two-way abilities and strong junior season, Hurst has garnered interest from colleges. His counterparts believe he has “sky-high” potential in college.

For now, though, he’s focused on his final campaign at Watertown. And he wouldn’t have gotten there without his initial start at his local YMCA, catapulting him to success.

Published on September 22, 2025 at 9:33 pm
Contact Joseph: jmsottil@syr.edu