Mustangs Get First Win, Crushing Madison 57-34

By Beth Pyne (Dec. 24, 2001)

The boys’ basketball team bounced back from Tuesday’s loss, defeating Madison County 57-34 at home last night in fine fashion.

Mason came out of the starting blocks strong, outscoring the Mountaineers 13-5 in the first quarter. Senior Ben Griffin and junior Bubba Olson led the charge as Griffin scored on a fast break lay-up off a steal to start the game and Olson knocked down a three-pointer followed by a long two-pointer a few possessions later.

In the second period the Mustangs came out hot again, sparked by two quick baskets from senior Darrell Marsh and another three-pointer from Olson. A run by the Mountaineers brought them within 4 before play was stopped for an extended period in the closing minute of the half due to an injury to sophomore Sean Snider. An errant elbow to the face forced Snider out of the game and to the hospital to receive stitches in his lip. The game resumed and Mason was able to hold on to a 5-point lead at half time.

The ‘Stangs did not look back after the break, steadily increasing their lead while holding Madison to just 13 points in the second half. Olson ended the third quarter with a three from the corner, punctuating a long possession, which displayed Mason’s excellent ball movement against Madison’s zone defense. 

An explosive fourth quarter followed with the Mustangs amassing 20 points in a team effort that saw both starters and reserves playing well.

Marsh paced the Mustangs with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Mason head coach Dave Garrison said that Marsh and Griffin, who finished with 9 points and 5 steals, "are stepping up as leaders on the floor. He also cited "good team defense" as a key element in the victory.

Olson had the hot hand from outside, tallying 11 points, including three treys. Sophomores Evan Hamme and Matt Williams also stepped up, contributing 6 points. 

Over the winter break, the Mustangs will look to rack up more wins as they compete in Brentsville’s Holiday Tournament.

The junior varsity also improved its record to 1-1 in the Bull Run District, pulling off a close win over the Mountaineers, 55-48. Nate McFarland led the JV with 12 points, followed by Colin Milano and Josiah Larson with 10 apiece.

Senior Darrell Marsh (32) goes up high over a Madison County defender for two of his 16 points in the Mustangs’ 57-34 victory.  (Photo by Neil Powell)

Assistant coach Dan Wilkie and head coach Dave Garrison liked what they saw in their Mustangs’ 57-34 victory, Mason’s first in the Bull Run district this year. (Photo by Neil Powell)