Mustangs Claim Wins in First District Games

Having closed out 2007 on a four-game losing streak, the George Mason High School varsity girls’ basketball team kicked off the new year on the right foot, dominating their first two Bull Run District games, besting Manassas Park and Madison County.

Last Friday, the Mustangs returned to the friendly confines of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and, behind sophomore Nicole Mitchell, downed the Manassas Park Cougars, 56-33.

Coming out of the gates fast — Mason opened up a 10 point lead in the first quarter alone — Mitchell dominated early and often in the paint, using her size to out-muscle the Cougars. She racked up her third double-double of the season, finishing with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The majority of the Mustangs points came on easy lay-ups, as they did not make a three-pointer the entire night. Senior post players Olivia Scott and Bailey Walton chipped in nine points and six rebounds, and seven points and eight rebounds, respectively.

Junior Kim Kenny rounded out the strong effort, tacking on eight points and seven rebounds. In the absence of senior captain Meredith Hamme, senior Rachel Kazman remained poised throughout the night, directing the offense and adding three assists.

The Mustangs had 14 steals in the game, as they clamped down on the Cougar shooters, holding Manassas to a mere two points in the second quarter.

On Tuesday, the host Mustangs improved to 9-4 on the season and 2-0 in the district with a 41-25 victory over the Mountaineers of Madison County. An incredible free throw shooting effort by the entire squad led the charge, as they shot 72-percent from the line.

Kenny herself shot 90-percent from the line, and led all Mason scorers with 11 points. Mitchell tacked on eight points and eight rebounds, while Chantal Bailey added six points, six steals and three rebounds. Walton rounded out the effort with eight points, two rebounds and two steals.

Despite their easy victories in the opening games of district play, all roads lead to this Thursday’s road test against defending state champion Clarke County (7-1, 0-1). On January 15, the Mustangs return home to take on Strasburg High, who currently stands at 11-0 in their campaign.