by Liz Lizama

George Mason High School’s boys varsity basketball team notched three more Bull Run District wins this past week with a 95-33 blowout against Rappahannock County High School, a 56-46 win against Strasburg High School and a 68-34 win over Central High School.

Last Wednesday, Mason dominated the Rappahannock County Panthers in the first half 60-17, with all 15 members of Mason’s roster clocking in minutes in the first two quarters.

Mason’s starters sat out the second half while their teammates added another 35 points to the tally.

Junior forward Robert Tartt led the Mustangs with 16 points against the Panthers. Junior guard Thomas Beddow followed with 11 points and senior guard Andrei Enache, sophomore forward Dustin Green and junior guard Devin Thomas each added 10 points for Mason.

Following its success at home, Mason traveled to Strasburg High School last Friday for a close district game against the Rams. Strasburg led Mason 7-5 at the end of the first quarter, but the Mustangs jumped ahead 21-19 at halftime.

“We shot very poorly and missed a ton of easy shots in the first half,” said Mason head coach Chris Capannola of the team’s 8-31 shooting effort in the first half.

Mason maintained their lead in the second half, which Cappanola credits to their defensive play.

“Our defense was really good again. We gave the Strasburg guards fits with traps and fake traps and we sped them up,” Capannola said. “They are a methodical type team offensively, and we wouldn’t let them play their game.”

Junior guard Elliot Mercado led the Mustangs with 13 points and seven rebounds. Tartt also scored 13 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Junior guard Josh Allen added 10 points for Mason.

On Monday, the Mustangs played at Central against the Falcons. Mason kicked off the game with a strong lead, ending the first quarter 17-1 over the Falcons. Both teams scored 13 points in the second quarter, but Mason maintained their double-digit lead throughout the game.

“Our pressure defense once again was the key,” Capannola said. “Tonight [Monday], we actually converted on the turnovers we caused as opposed to the Strasburg game Friday where we got 21 turnovers but didn’t score off enough of them. We got running and Central had no answer for us.”

Tartt led the team with 17 points, followed by Allen with 15 points and Beddow with 12 points.

Mason played their last home game of the regular season against Madison County High School on Wednesday night but results were not yet available at press time. The Mustangs will end their regular season at Warren County High School this Friday before preparing for the Bull Run District tournament the following week.