Boys’ Varsity Basketball
Mustangs End Season in 2nd Round of
Districts to Chesterfield, 51-48

By: Jared Allan, Kris McMahon (February 28, 2006)

The Chesterfield Eagles towered over Mason with a 6’8” center and two 6’2” guards, as well as two 6’3” posts. Throughout the entire game the Mustangs had to win the inside battle to come out with the victory. Mike Schwengel led the Mustang offense creating key plays and dribbling out of pressure. His composure helped the Mustangs stay in the game, since the Eagles’ defense was incredibly athletic and relentless. Jack “Bird” Settje scored the most points for Mason, contributing 16, with Travis Greene and Alex Goetting both scoring nine points each. Valdis Kravalis added to the Mustang effort with 10 points and nine rebounds, even after being matched up against Chesterfield’s 6’8” center.

In the first quarter Chesterfield came out strong on top of the ‘Stangs, hustling for every ball and cutting off Mason’s penetration to the basket with a 3-2 defensive formation. After the Mustangs shook off the intimidation of the Eagles’ height, they came back to end the first quarter trailing 15-18. The second quarter proved to be a battle of defenses, with both teams scoring under eight points. At the close of the first half, Mason was trailing by 25-21.

During the break coach Broderick advised the team to slow down the Eagles’ offense and make smart decisions with the ball. Trying to dribble against the lightning fast Eagle guards would result in a dunk. After coming out of the break, Mason showed an improvement in their offensive game, outscoring the Eagles to take the lead, 41-35.

In the final quarter the Mustangs knew they had to play smart and hold on to the lead, but the Eagles tried to cause as much confusion and havoc as possible to diminish the Mustang lead. Unfortunately, the Eagles outplayed the Mustangs in an intense, hard-fought fourth quarter. Mason trailed by seven points with one minute left in the fourth quarter, and they managed to score two baskets and close the gap to three points. With 1.2 seconds left on the clock, Mason had the inbound pass at the Eagles’ half-court line. The Mustangs were not able to produce an open three-point shot, and the game ended with the Eagles the winning team, 51-48.

The team ended their season 19-7, the best season Mason Boys Basketball has seen in five years. Seniors Travis Greene, Paul Mene, Valdis Kravalis, Kris McMahon and Adam Chandler and Mike Chaves will all be missed. Their contributions were vital to the team’s success this past season. “I really enjoyed the season this year, it’s just too bad we couldn’t come home with a victory” Said Paul Mene.