Bush instant success on Raider hardwood
JACKSON TWP — There was no easing into a starting role for Mason Bush.
Seneca Valley's junior guard displayed his potential in the Raiders' very first game this season, scoring 17 points against Chartiers Valley.
“We knew Mason was going to be a starter,” said first-year Seneca Valley coach Kevin Trost. “He works really hard and is having a super year.”
Bush has posted games of 27 points, 25, 20 and a career-high of 30 last week against Butler. His 18 points per contest lead the Raiders.
As a sophomore, Bush, as he put it, 'Would get three or four minutes of playing time per game, if I was lucky. I'd score a basket here and there.'
“At first, I was a little surprised with the way I was scoring to start this season, but then I thought back to how much work I put in during the off-season.
Bush is now reaping the benefits of that commitment. He is currently shooting 47 percent from the field.
“I train with Tom Ricketts at the Oxford Athletic Club,” Bush said. “It has helped take my game to a new level and built my confidence.”
Bush used to be just a good shooter from the outside, but his abilities now extend beyond the perimeter.
“He is able to score in all three phases,” said Trost. “He can shoot 3s, has a really good mid-range game and can finish at the basket.
“Mason is also rebounding well (five per game). I'd say he's getting six points every game on putbacks. That's something you don't see out of a lot of perimeter players.”
Bush has received help in driving to the basket from his father, Dustin.
“I can't thank him enough,” said Mason. “My explosiveness to the hoop has really improved over the last year. When people knew me as just an outside shooter, that's all they had to defend. Now, they have to respect my ability to get to the rim.”
People outside of Seneca Valley have taken notice of Bush's production. Following his team's recent game against the Raiders, North Allegheny coach Keith Noftz said that Bush “is one of the best players in the league right now.”
Bush plans on staying in that elite company.
“There weren't many people who believed in me before this year,” he said. “I thank God and my family for supporting me through all of it.
“I have great coaches and teammates and it's a dream come true for me to get the chance to show what I can do.”
The Raiders (7-6, 2-3) are currently in playoff position in the Section 1-6A standings, but a lot of basketball remains.
“We've got some big home games coming up,” said Bush. “I think we have a good chance of making the playoffs. We just have to work hard every day.”
