Mustangs Stampede Over Manassas Park, Prep for District Championship Game

It was senior night at Tuesday but the thoughts were on Wednesday’s winner take all game against William Monroe.

The Mustangs trampled visiting Manassas Park 79-33 and used the game to go through scenarios they may see against William Monroe. The game will be played at Strasburg High.

“We tried every defense we have,” said Head Coach Chris Capannola. The Mustangs held Manassas Park to just two-points in the second quarter. “We changed defenses quite a bit throughout the game.”

Mason will graduate nine seniors this year and the talk after Wednesday’s game was revenge.

The Mustangs split the season series with William Monroe a game apiece and the winner Wednesday will be regular season Bull Run District champions. Mason beat the Dragons 64-60 at home in January and fell 54-46 at William Monroe Feb. 3.

“We want to impose our will on them early in the game,” said senior Nate Ogle who said he wants the Mustangs to get an early jump on William Monroe. “We want to come out early and punch them in the mouth.”

Ogle and fellow senior Philippe Griffiths scored 13-points apiece for the Mustangs Tuesday. Ogle said his shot feels good and he’s ready to go up against William Monroe. He said he got to work on his inside game Tuesday and only has one concern.

“The only thing I’m worrying about is my three,” Ogle said.

Griffiths said the Mustangs are as prepared as they can be. He said the team’s defense has solidified and as long as the team can get a rhythm and make shots, he feels they can win the district championship.

“This is what it comes down to,” Griffiths said. “This is for all the marbles.”