Venets Big in the Paint for Mustangs, Thump Eagles in Semifinals

There was nothing Clarke County could do to stop Dimitri Venets in the paint Tuesday night in the semifinals of the Bull Run District Tournament.

The 6 feet 2 inch tall senior scored a game high 19-points in ’s 60-43 come from behind win. The Mustangs swept Clarke County in their three meetings this season.

“When I heard they were going to back off me I took advantage of that,” Venets said.

Mason found themselves on the losing end at the half down 31-25. With only one three-pointer in the first half, Head Coach Chris Capannola decided to go away from the outside game and pound it in the paint. He said his team was taking quick shots and weren’t grabbing long rebounds. Capannola said he wanted his team to use their size in the paint and started feeding Venets the ball down low.

“By far it was his best game,” Capannola said. “He was in the right spot all night.”

The Mustangs move onto the Bull Run District Tournament finals Thursday night to face another familiar foe in William Monroe. The two teams battled in a one game play-in to decide the Bull Run regular season champion and the tournament’s top seed.

The Mustangs 70-48 in that game.

Philippe Griffiths said if the Mustangs can carry their defensive intensity into Thursday night’s game, they have a chance to win. Against Clarke County Tuesday, the Mustangs only allowed 12-second half points.

“Defensive intensity is what it’s going to take,” said Griffiths who scored 11-points.