Coupeville Sports

Mason Grove (right) meets the president of his fan club. (Mindy Grove photo)

Grove, shakin’ ‘n bakin’ on the hardwood. (John Fisken photo)

There’s a little Steph Curry in Mason Grove.

During his days on the hardwood playing for Coupeville Middle School, Grove was a long-range sniper, capping his run at CMS with a 25-point explosion in a game at Sequim.

Now, he’ll take his skills to the next level, joining mega-talented older sister Lauren in high school this fall.

When he does, he plans to follow in her footsteps as a three-sport sensation, but with a twist to what sports he plays.

Grove will open with tennis in the fall — his goal will be to “play for the first time and be awesome at it!” — then shoot hoops in the winter.

The plan is to cap his freshman year with either baseball or track in the spring.

If he chooses the latter, he could help Lauren, a state meet veteran, christen the shiny new eight-lane track CHS is currently installing.

Whichever sport he picks in the spring, it’s the hardwood which captivates him the most, however.

“Basketball is my favorite because it is fast-paced and you are constantly moving,” he said. “And I love shooting threes!”

When he’s not dropping treys, Grove can often be found fishing or entertaining friends and family.

“I like to dance and be goofy or do anything at all to make people laugh,” he said.

Grove draws support from his family, both when in uniform and out.

“My mom and dad, they constantly push me to be better and encourage me,” he said. “My sister and little brother are OK, too.”

When he is competing, Grove draws on his natural talent to succeed, but is also aware he needs to put in the work if he wants to keep on improving.

“I think I have good hand/eye coordination and quick reflexes. And I’m good at timing,” he said. “As a freshman I plan on working on strength training and speed.”

Win or lose (and he plans on winning), Grove ultimately enjoys the life of an athlete because it is, in the end, enjoyable.

“You are always doing something and sports are fun!”