by Liz Lizama
George Mason High School’s boys varsity basketball team resumed their regular season this Saturday with a 65-43 road win against Madison County High School. After their first loss of the season to Yorktown High School in the championship game of Joe Cascio Classic holiday tournament last week, Mason’s Mustangs returned to regular season play with a determination to win their Bull Run District game against the Madison County Mountaineers. Yorktown beat Mason 44-26 in the title game last Tuesday.
“I don’t think the guys liked the feeling of losing, and it showed Saturday night [against Madison County],” said Mason head coach Chris Capannola. “We hit four three pointers in the first quarter and were up 25-8 after the first, and that got us rolling.”
The Mustangs maintained at least a 12-point lead for the remainder of the game. “We kind of went into cruise control mode after the first, but the game was essentially over,” Capannola said.
Junior forward Robert Tartt led the Mustangs with 21 points against the Mountaineers. Junior guard Josh Allen scored a season high of 17 points, including four 3-pointers. Junior center Douglas Bossart also added ten points, and junior guard Thomas Beddow contributed six points with two 3-pointers. “We hit a lot of outside shots and also forced a lot of turnovers, and when that happens we get a lot of easy baskets, both inside and in transition,” Capannola said.
“That’s where Tartt is at his best, scoring on the break and getting rebounds and stickbacks. Allen was outstanding with a season high 17 points. He was aggressive on the offensive end.”
With a well-rounded roster, Capannola said any of his players are able to deliver. “We were up 17 points at half and again played without a starter for the first half, so it shows all the guys how deep we are and that whoever is called upon can step up and do the job.”
Sophomore forward Dustin Green started at point guard against the Mountaineers. Capannola said he did an exceptional job leading plays. “Dustin can play all five spots on the floor and has been a tremendous asset to us on both ends of the floor. He’s not a scorer yet, but he makes basketball plays and knows the game.”
Mason will play district rivals Clarke County High School for the second time this season next Wednesday. Last month, the Mustangs defeated the Eagles on the road 64-58 after going into overtime in a close season opener.
“Now that we are back to full strength personnel-wise, I’m excited to see how much better we can get because there is definitely room for improvement,” Capannola said.“I know the kids are excited and we need to keep it going as the second round of Bull Run games begin.”
With the Yorktown loss, the Mustangs’ overall record is 10-1, but the team remains undefeated in the Bull Run District at 7-0. Mason was also scheduled to play against Warren County High School on Tuesday, but the game was rescheduled due to inclement weather. The teams will now face each other next Tuesday, Jan. 13, at home.
