By Evan Hamme (February 28, 2003)

Mason ended its season with a disappointing loss to Madison County, 58-57, last Thursday night on the Mustangs’ home court.  After a game of many lead changes and exciting moments, the Mountaineers came out on top in a nail-bitter that came down to the last seconds.
 

The Mountaineers jumped out to an early 18-8 lead midway through the first quarter. Mason battled back to end the first quarter at 16-19 after one of three 3-pointers from senior Bubba Olson. The second quarter was even throughout and the Mustangs went in to the locker room still down by three.  Mason did not seem intimidated, having been a second half team throughout this season. The Mustangs battled Madison County and built a lead to 8 halfway through the third period after 7 straight points from junior Evan Hamme. But the Mountaineers then went on a run of their own and finished the quarter tied with the Mustangs, 44-44. Mason went up several times in the final period but Madison always had an answer to whatever Mason could put up. It came down to the last minute of the game and Mason had gone up by two after Hamme converted a lay-up and senior Mark Murchie made one of two free throws he earned from an off-the-ball foul in the same play.

Senior Matt Williams scored 15 points in the tense  58-57 loss to Madison County that closed out the  Mustangs' season. Williams earned second team  All-District honors.  (Photo by Nick Benton)

Madison County got the ball down the floor and put up a shot only to miss and find themselves having to foul Mason junior Sean Snider. After two more missed free throws (which would prove to be Mason’s demise, going 1-6 in the final minutes of the game), Madison got the ball back with enough time for a desperation shot. Madison tried a 3-pointer and missed, but got another attempt off an offensive rebound (another area where Mason struggled all night) and converted to go up by one with only 2.5 seconds left. Mason tried a play but the ball was fumbled and ended up in Evan Hamme’s hands for a long 3-point attempt, which bounced twice on the rim and fell to the floor. 

Matt Williams led Mason with 15 points and Evan Hamme pitched in 13 points and six rebounds. Sean Snider also contributed six rebounds and senior Bubba Olson converted three 3-pointers and ended with 11 points. Williams was awarded a second team, All-District honors.

Overall, Mason finished the season 12-10 (7-6 in the district) and third in its district.