By Sam McClanahan
One of the greatest players in Pendleton County boys basketball history received his due recognition on Feb. 10.
Mason Monroe, the point guard who wore #33, captained three teams to district titles on his way to a 10th Region Hall of Fame career from 2008-13. He was immortalized by having his jersey retired by the Wildcats program and also saw a banner bearing his name and number unveiled to a packed house at the PCHS gym prior to the start of the boys game against Harrison County.
Monroe played in a program record 150 games and currently ranks third all-time in points and second in assists. He went onto play two seasons at Transylvania University and has been a member of the Wildcats coaching staff for the past several seasons. In recent seasons, he has served as varsity assistant and current junior varsity head coach.
Monroe was joined at mid court during the ceremony by his wife Savannah, his younger brother and former Wildcat point guard Clay Monroe, as well as his parents Kent and Michele Monroe. Also on hand were several former teammates, coaches, classmates, friends and supporters who all celebrated Monroe's incredible career.
"Thank you to everyone who reached out and attended the ceremony," he said. "The amount of love I've received is just unreal. Whether you were a friend, student, teacher, teammate, coach, or family member through all these years, you're all a piece of the puzzle that helped make this happen."