Archie II didn't score a single point or even play a minute in a game at in-state
rival. Duke earlier this season. It was the same scenario in the. Wildcats' upset
win ...
Carolina Tindley School grad Mason Archie II hits the Division I hoops big time at Davidson By Brian Peloza / Photos by Tim Cowie
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
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avidson guard Mason Archie II didn’t score a single point or even play a minute in a game at in-state rival Duke earlier this season. It was the same scenario in the Wildcats’ upset win over Kansas. To those who know Archie, it didn’t matter. They beamed with pride on those nights for the freshman from Charles A. Tindley School in Indianapolis. “I was so proud of Mason,” said Tindley coach Bobby Wonnell. “Look at how this kid works. I was overwhelmed with pride for Mason Archie. It couldn’t happen to a better kid.” Derrick Williams, the summer league coach for Archie, sent an email out prior to Davidson’s games against Duke and Kansas, looking to share the moment with as many people as possible. Williams said, “These are venues that people take tours of, but he’s right there on the court soaking it all in.” It’s all part of Archie’s ongoing journey, one which he embraces.
“He was in the gym on the first day of classes and said, ‘Coach, I’m ready to go.’” Davidson coach Bob McKillop
Pride
Seeking out his opportunity
Making a community proud
“As long as I’m fighting for that opportunity ... I know I can eventually do everything I want to do as a basketball player.” Mason Archie
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Archie got a boost on his path to being a star when he grew between his sophomore and junior seasons to around 6-5. “All of that stuff was awkward for him,” Wonnell said. “You’re playing older, stronger kids and on top of that you hit this weird growth spurt and then he has to learn how to play in that.” Tindley kept Archie at the guard position, despite his growth spurt. It was a wise decision as Archie averaged 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game as a senior.
Students at Tindley go through a rigorous academic program. To play athletics, they have to meet weekly grade requirements. Wonnell estimated he has had a full roster for 25 of the 100 or so games he’s coached at the school. Archie never missed a game. “His academic performance has allowed his opportunities for athletic performance,” said Archie’s father, Mason. Archie’s mother, Colleen, echoed those thoughts: “I think it’s so important that we as parents get back to educating our kids first, which will lead to so many other opportunities, including sports.” Colleen credits the Tindley school and the family’s church, Eastern Star, for helping raise Mason. “It’s the school, Tindley, and all of the positive programs he was involved with,” she said. “It wasn’t just us, it was a whole village that raised Mason. One of his most important support groups are the ushers at his church. They have been a second family to Mason.”
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012
Wonnell was hired as Tindley’s coach when Archie was a freshman.
He averaged 25 points and 13 rebounds per game over his final 10 games. His production led to being named an Indiana Class A Basketball All-Star. During his three years playing varsity, Tindley compiled a 48-21 record, winning at least 15 games each season. Now at the collegiate level, Archie wants to make a name for himself on the basketball court all over again. “As long as I’m fighting for that opportunity and never feeling sorry for myself, I know I can eventually do everything I want to do as basketball player,” Archie said. Williams thinks big things could lie ahead for Archie. “I project by the time he is a junior he could potentially be an all-conference player,” Williams said. “With his leadership he’ll probably be a captain his senior year - that’s the kind of kid he is.”
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Growth of a Division I player
“He was about 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10 and looked like a baby,” Wonnell said. “He reminded me of Bambi.” As a freshman, Archie didn’t play many varsity minutes. “He had not played a ton and on top of that he was under aged,” Wonnell said. “Varsity was a little fast for him and he wasn’t a consistent player.”
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
College scouts didn’t beat down Archie’s doors despite a solid career at Tindley. No problem. Archie simply worked a little harder, sending out game film and statistics. “We didn’t get a lot of publicity,” Archie said of his Tindley team. “I knew if I sent out my tapes to other schools, they would be able to see some of my talent and then come to some of my AAU games.” Archie skipped sixth grade, so he’s young for his age, just turning 18 on Feb. 28. While many coaches suggested Archie attend prep school, that wasn’t an option he wanted to pursue. Because he was just 17, Archie was able to play a summer of AAU basketball last year despite graduating from Tindley. Davidson came to watch one of his games and Archie didn’t disappoint. “With Davidson watching, Mason went on a streak where he scored 10 straight points,” Williams said. “He hit a 3-pointer, he had a dunk, and two nice pull-up jumpers in the paint. It just kind of transpired from there and his stock kept rising.” Archie, a member of the National Honor Society and Dean’s List at Tindley, had already secured a full academic scholarship to Davidson. Once the Davidson coaches saw Archie, they invited him to the team as a preferred walk-on. “He was in the gym on the first day of classes and said, ‘Coach, I’m ready to go,’ ” Davidson coach Bob McKillop said. “He has demonstrated a tremendous sense of accountability and hard work.” Athletes sending in information to get noticed aren’t unheard of these days, McKillop said. “It happens, but it has to be an extraordinary young man. … Now he’s a very important part of our roster.” One part of Archie’s journey finding a college - was complete.
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