by Liz Lizama

George Mason High School’s varsity boys basketball team beat Gate City High School 6-0 in the Virginia High School League 2A state semifinal match at Radford University on Friday afternoon.

Junior forward Elliot Mercado scored a goal two minutes into the game to jumpstart the Mason lead. Senior midfielder Matteo D’Agostino followed with a goal in the 24th minute. Mercado closed out the first half with another goal from an assist by junior forward Donal Reyes.

Sophomore midfielder/forward Wesley Quill scored 20 minutes into the second half before assisting Mercado with another goal. Sophomore midfielder/forward Olo Sembera scored Mason’s final goal in the 74th minute to seal the game.

Senior goalkeeper Daniel Donovan had five saves to help Mason shut out the Blue Devils.

Mason will play Martinsville High School for the state title on Saturday at Radford University. Since 2000, the Mustang boys program has won seven state titles, with two consecutive championships in 2013 and 2014. This year would make its third straight state title should they win on Saturday.