The court was ablaze as the boys’ varsity basketball team caught fire to open up the second game of the Loudon County Tip Off Tournament. Coming off of a tough loss the night before, the team was anxious for redemption as they squared off against Heritage High School Friday night. The Mustangs did not disappoint, as they developed a lead in the first quarter which they would not relinquish for the entire game.

Senior guard Philippe Griffiths began the offensive onslaught by putting up twelve points in a two minute span early on in the game. Following Griffiths’ lead, senior guard Noel Obusan and senior forward Nate Ogle also caught fire and gave the team a ten point lead at half time.

After a back and forth third quarter that saw Heritage cut the lead to four and in which both teams struggled to maintain possession of the ball, Mason once again caught fire to close out the game in the fourth. Griffiths finished the game with 27 points and was relieved to see his team get their first win of the season.

“It felt good to get the first win, but we should’ve opened the season with a win,” Griffiths said. “It is less of a celebratory win, but more of a game that shows what we can be,” he added of the Mustangs 74-62 victory over Heritage.

While the team was happy to get a win, they still feel that they have room for improvement as there is a growing process each season, Griffiths explained.

“Last year from beginning to end we were a completely different team, but we have more seniors this year so the growing process will be quicker; the game on Friday didn’t show our true potential yet,” Griffiths stated.

Senior point guard Noel Obusan, who had 16 points in the game, added that “the returning players are on board, and we just need to get everyone else on the same page, then we will be where we need to be.”

The team’s next test will be in their home opener this Wednesday, December 7 against Freedom High School.

Big sparkly bows, colorful briefs and glitter were the norm on October 31 at the Bull Run District Cheer Competition.

Districts were at Central-Woodstock High School, a new school to the Bull Run District this year. Competitors included Manassas Park, Strasburg, Clarke County, Central-Woodstock, and William Monroe High Schools. In the 2010 State competition, Strasburg placed first, Central Woodstock second, and Manassas Park sixth, which meant that the Lady Mustangs faced tough competition in only their second time competing since restarting their competition cheer team a few seasons ago.

Although they were up against tough opposition, the Mason cheerleaders felt confident about their routine, which had been choreographed by Trisha Hart. If this name sounds familiar, it’s because Hart is the owner of Legacy All-Stars, a distinguished competitive cheer organization, and she has also been featured on an episode of MTV’s Made.

Head Coach Beth Bird said, “The other teams in our district were extremely supportive of the progress the squad has made and has welcomed GM back into competing with spirit and enthusiasm.”

The team placed fifth out of six this year at Districts although they had many setbacks. Injuries were one of these setbacks, as sophomore center flyer Ellie Johnson injured her back at the Homecoming game and was not able to stunt. This meant that only two out of three stunt groups were able to put up their stunts at Districts. However, the team ended the season proud of their performances.

“I’m very happy with how the competition squad did this season. I don’t feel our scores ever really reflected what the girls brought to the mat, however they had fun, had an improved routine from last year and gave 110% each and every time they went out there. A coach can’t ask for much more. Our goal was to continue to develop as a team and become more unified and I feel we achieved that.  Districts were a nice finish to the season; the girls did the best I’d seen them do, despite some injuries that affected the routine, and they finally were able to simply relax and enjoy themselves,” said Bird.

This was a great year for the team, but it is still unclear whether the team can keep progressing or not.

Bird said, “In regards to next year, the five seniors leaving us will greatly affect our level of stunting, so tryouts this May will highly determine what type of routine we can put on the floor for GM next year.”

Keep an eye out for the varsity winter cheerleaders at the home girls and boys basketball games starting December 1.

Both the boys and girls cross country teams dominated the competition at the Single A State Championship race at Great Meadows on Saturday.

The girls team dominated the race earning themselves their fourth consecutive state title with a total of 37 points.  Placing second was Strasburg with 70 points and in third was Wilson Memorial with 74 points.  Five of the seven Mason girls finished in the top fifteen, earning All-State honors:  senior Michele de Mars (3rd), junior Julia Estrada (5th), senior Eva Estrada (7th), senior Emma Vieillescazes (10th) and freshman Alicia Devereaux (14th).  Lauren Meinhart and Hannah Beaman rounded out varsity with strong races placing 23rd and 27th respectively.

The Mason guys ran a perfect race trouncing the competition and coming away with their first state title in over 20 years.  Mason placed first with a score of 65 points. Second was Parry McCluer with 113 points and third was Wilson Memorial with 119.  Earning All-State Honors for Mason was junior Jeremy K. Brown in 14th. Just missing the top 15 were junior Jesse Schaffer (16th) and freshman Jackson Jost (17th).  Running outstanding races and contributing to the team's championship title were sophomore Paul Sanders (30th), sophomore Austin Gogal (34th), junior Jeremy M Brown (56th) and senior Paul Henninger (77th).

Three years ago the George Mason swim team dominated the Bull Run District, with a 12-0 record. After that the swim team was moved to the AA Dulles District, they became a very competitive contender, beating out AAA and AA schools even though the odds were stacked against them.

Now after two years, the A school district has reformed and our swim team is now back in the Bull Run, ready to triumph again. Due to this change, Mason swim will be facing off against Central-Woodstock, Clarke County, Madison County, Manassas Park, Rappahannock County, Strasburg, and William Monroe. All of these pools are a considerable distance away, but the swim team is still excited nonetheless.

Senior Virginia Rice stated, “I’m exited for the longer bus rides because I like hanging out with all my friends, it’s a really good team bonding experience.”

Mason’s volleyball team is still young, but they are reaching for the top. With Coach Erik Healey winning First Team Coach of the Year, and junior Maddie Johnson winning First Team All District Honor, the Mustangs placed third for the season in the Bull Run district. This is the highest Mason volleyball has ever placed.

Johnson was announced as the First Team All District Honor winner on Friday, November 4. This honor came after Johnson won Second Team All District last season. When all of the Bull Run district coaches were deliberating on who should be honored, Johnson’s name constantly came up.

Coach Healey said, “She’s smart on the court and is constantly aware of what’s going on.”

Other coaches from the district have said that she is a very good player all around and she has a lot of confidence her in game. Healey said she should be very proud of her accomplishments and continue to always strive to be better.

Coach Healey was recognized as the Coach of the Year on Monday, November 7. Healey started as the assistant coach in 2010 and then moved to head coach this season.  Healey is passionate about being a coach and he always wants the team to strive for a win.