SAN JOSE, CALIF. – Not only a starter as a freshman, but also one of three captains for the boys varsity basketball team, Mason Seto describes what it’s like to play for the basketball program at Silver Creek High School.

Being named captain of any sport is a rewarding feeling, especially considering teammates and coaches believe in the individual to fill this vital role. The Silver Creek coaching staff has influenced Seto to become a responsible leader, and has

given him the confidence to play to his full potential. The upperclassmen have also been a huge support to him, being the youngest teammate on the team. 

“Being able to have confidence and accountability is what has helped me achieve the role of a leader. Confidence is vital as a basketball captain because it influences both personal performance and team dynamics. As a captain, it’s essential to account people for their mistakes so they can grow as a person on and off the court.” He wants to acknowledge his team and coach since they have helped him develop communication skills through consistent feedback and encouragement on and off the court which has aided in the development of a positive team culture.  

Having good time management skills is already so important, but it’s more vital of a skill to have when being a student athlete. You have to adapt to prioritizing certain tasks, setting goals for yourself and staying well organized in order to achieve success academically and athletically. Seto has learned to regularly balance his social life and athletics to incorporate the skill of leading while learning. He also constantly recognizes his personal strengths; one being his pride, since it allows him to achieve anything he puts his mind to and still having an open mind that there is always room for growth, as well as his weakness.

Pre-game prep is an important factor to a good performance. To prepare mentally, Seto enjoys listening to music that quiets everything around him and allows him to hone in on the upcoming game. He also prays before every game, because he puts his trust in Jesus to guide him through difficult circumstances. Physically, he makes sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day and gets plenty of sleep before the game in order to perform well.
In a game against Oak Grove, Seto hit a game tying three-pointer, which put the varsity boys basketball team into overtime, where he ended with 35 points, making it a memorable moment and game. In the next few years he hopes to experience moments just like this and improve as an individual on and off the court, as a successful student athlete with experienced leadership contributions. He has big goals of playing basketball greater than at highschool level and looks forward to playing college basketball, and  growing as a person beyond the court.