Final per Evan Dennison.

Mason (69) - Lofton 18 (7 stl), Jones 11, Brammer 10, Swolsky 9, Frey 8 (8 reb), Butler 6, May 5, Perry 2

 

Augusta (60) - Reed 26 (16/19 FT, 7 ast), Cordle 12 (15 reb), White 8, Appelman 6, Philpot 4, Mains 2, McClanahan 2

 

 

Stats also per Evan Dennison.

Mason County 0 for 15 from three-point land. More off-the-ball offensive fouls called in this one than I've seen in a month of Sundays. Nobody for Mason County could keep the 7th-grader from going to his left.

 

Somebody had to win.

Hard game to watch. Mason couldn't get in a rhythm offensively, but turned Augusta over 18 times in the first half for a ten-point halftime advantage; 34-24. Panthers closed to within 1 at 39-38; then Brammer was fouled on a three-point try; made all three; and moments later converted a traditional three-point play. The lead was cut to 4 once or twice after that, but Mason hit a bunch of free throws down the stretch to put it away.

 

Cordle is a rough customer; the words "concussion protocol" came to mind once or twice. He also blocked several shots. Reed is going to be special; lightning quick and deadly from the line after missing a couple early. Everyone for Mason was in foul trouble. I think one of the pep band's trumpet players had 4 called on him.

 

Survive and advance; but if the Royals keep shooting like this, someone is going to bounce them early.