By Beth Pyne (February 12, 2002)

The Mustangs put on quite a show for the large crowd that packed the pit last Friday, avenging an earlier thrashing by Bull Run opponent Strasburg with a gutsy 65-58 win.

They will carry this momentum and a 5-6 district record into their final regular season match against Brentsville next Tuesday that will determine their seed in the upcoming district tournament. 

After jumping out to a 23-9 lead in the first period, Mason endured a low scoring second quarter and physical play by the Rams, as evidenced by 17 foul calls in the second half, to hold on to the win. Clutch free throw shooting down the stretch sealed the outcome.

The victory followed a 3-2 run for the Mustangs in the previous five games, with district wins against Rappahannock and Manassas Park as well as an exciting overtime success versus the junior varsity team from area powerhouse Notre Dame Academy. The losses came against James Monroe and Madison County.

Sophomore Matt Williams has emerged as a key player, scoring consistently in double digits during the past half a dozen games, including a 20-point performance against the Rams. Fellow sophomore Sean Snider has also impressed coaches and fans alike with his strong play underneath the hoop, capped by 14 points and seven offensive rebounds (10 overall) against Strasburg.