South Sound’s double-double machine closing in on coveted Gig Harbor records
No player in the South Sound is as much of a near-automatic double-double as Gig Harbor High School’s Michael Masini.
The 6-foot-8 Tides’ wing has posted a double-double in 13 of Gig Harbor’s 17 games this season. He’s averaging 25.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game for the Tides.
“I came out with some goals for myself and my team this year,” Masini told The News Tribune after practice on Monday afternoon. “So just before every game, knowing that I want to go far and have that intensity.”
Among those goals: playing in the Class 3A state tournament at the Tacoma Dome and seeing his name on the gym’s wall. He’s chasing a few Gig Harbor career records, the two biggest being points and rebounds, both of which were set by Mathias Ward in the late 2000s. Ward went on to a successful collegiate basketball career at the University of Montana.
Ward’s points record is 1,498 and his rebounds record is 806. Masini has 1,351 points and 778 rebounds. Gig Harbor has four games left in the regular season, which means Masini would need to average about 37 points per game to break the points record before the postseason, but a couple playoff games will bring the number more easily into reach.
“He’s been extremely consistent the last two years, last two-and-a-half years,” Gig Harbor coach Billy Landram said. “He’s 6-8, he can move, he’s smart, he’s got great feet. He’s gotten better each year, which is what some kids don’t do.”
Masini has scored 30 or more points on seven separate occasions this season, highlighted by a season-high 38-point outburst in a road win over Silas. He’s shooting 55 percent from the field this winter.
“He’s better at scoring, even though his stats were extremely good last year,” Landram said. “This year, he’s better at being able to get it with no advantages and make stuff happen.”
That’s where Masini has looked to take his game to the next level as a senior: working on his outside shot, but also being able to attack the rim and beat defenders off the dribble.
“I worked hard over the summer to get my shot right,” he said. “That, and just mentality-wise, I feel like I’m more confident from the work I put in. Just playing without fear. I’m not scared in any moment. I know I can handle myself because I’ve put in the work.”
Masini is a standout student, too. He’s committed to play basketball at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. His dad, Brendan, is a West Point grad and recently retired as a colonel after spending 20 years in the Army. His older brother, Brendan Jr., is currently attending West Point and his grandpa (on his mom’s side) went to West Point.
Both from a family legacy standpoint and a basketball perspective, the Academy fit what he was looking for.
“I grew up in it,” he said. “I feel like I have a good mindset about it and I have people to help me if I have any questions.”
Gig Harbor (11-6) has won seven of its last eight games and took Lincoln to overtime on the road in a 68-66 loss last week. Turnovers have plagued the Tides, but Masini and Gig Harbor feel they’re close to putting it all together. Gig Harbor enters a crucial week with home games against Silas and Bellarmine Prep on Wednesday and Friday, respectively.
“We need everyone buying in on themselves, knowing their role,” Masini said. “I think our defense has continued to grow. Managing those turnovers, I think it’ll come together.”
