Zion-Benton senior forward Damonte Mason has come a long way.
The fourth-year varsity player has 15 goals and four assists this season, and he’s one of the top scorers in Lake County. But his development goes far beyond statistics.
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“I just wasn’t motivated or locked in for my first two years,” Mason said. “I usually had my head down. I’ve matured over time.
“In my freshman year, I was not very mature. I thought I had it all, to be honest. I thought I was so good.”
Zion-Benton coach Cliff Pontillo said Mason showed immense potential early in his career but lacked discipline.
“As a freshman, he was missing practices and lying,” Pontillo said. “I just couldn’t trust things from him or what he was telling me.”
But Denny Matute, another fourth-year varsity player for the Zee-Bees, said he has watched Mason evolve into the consummate team player.
“Damonte’s been a big help to the team, just in the way he has matured as a person,” Matute said.
Pontillo agrees.
“He was finding his way, and he has become a leader the last few years,” Pontillo said of Mason. “He’s matured into a fine young man.”
With outstanding speed, a nice touch and the ability to create space for an open shot, Mason is hard to miss on the field. He has helped the Zee-Bees (13-6-3) guarantee their first winning record since 2019 and earn the No. 4 seed in the Class 3A Buffalo Grove Sectional.
“Mason is probably our most dynamic player, in terms of raw speed and tenaciousness,” Pontillo said. “He can be very exciting with the ball on his feet, and he’s a player who stands out.
“He plays with a chip on his shoulder, not just with soccer but in life. He’s driven to make something of himself. He’s motivated to put himself in a better spot in life, to have a positive outcome in his life.”
Mason, a third-year starter, said he learned the importance of being responsible for his actions and decided he wanted something better for himself.
“I came into this season with my head held high and very motivated,” he said.
“He takes responsibility for his actions and tries to make himself better,” Pontillo said. “He doesn’t miss anything, is always available and always working hard and pushing others to perform well. He’s really become a positive influence.”
Mason also credits his pregame meditation, which he started to do at Pontillo’s suggestion.
“It has helped me improve a lot, to go into games with a clear mind,” Mason said. “I used to overthink.”
Mason, who plans to run track in the spring for the first time since middle school, said he’s excited for the future.
“This summer I worked very hard,” he said. “I’ve had some tough seasons, but my teammates motivated me and kept me mentally right. I feel I’m growing as a player and want to keep getting better and try to lead us to state.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.