The George Mason High School Mustangs boys basketball topped Essex Saturday afternoon, 56-52, to advance to the seminfals in the VHSL state tournament.

2:11 p.m. Mason boys head to Virginia State semifinals with 56-52 win over Essex.

2:06 p.m. 52-50 Mason with 1:11 left

1:52 p.m. After three quarters, Mason boys lead Essex 43-28.

1:30 p.m. The underdog GMHS Mustangs of Falls Church raced to a 34-20 lead at halftime of their state quarterfinal game against Essex. With highly disciplined play, sharp passing and careful shot selections, the Mustangs extended their 17-11 first quarter lead as Nate Ogle added five to his seven first quarter points and Phillipe Griffiths hit his third 3-pointer. Eion Oosterbann also hit a three and Dmitri Venets hit two buckets.

1:12 p.m. Firing out to a 15-4 lead in the first four minutes, Mason boys lead Essex after the first quarter, 17-11. Nate Ogle leads Mason with seven points. Early in the second period, Phillipe Griffiths hit his third 3 point shot, and Ogle got his ninth point.

12:30 p.m. The George Mason High Sschool Mustangs boys basketball team plays Essex from Tappahannock today at 12:45 p.m. Follow frequent updates right here. Mason is 18-4 and Essex 18-3. The Essex Trojans beat Rappahannock 76-48 to get here and Mason is here despite falling in the state tournament opening round.