Ashburn, VA (February 8, 2021) - The Independence Tigers were in the regionals last year, but that's only because just about every Region 3B teams makes it. This year, though, with a small senior class including two dynamic senior leaders, they had earned the #2 seed and they are for real. If the team can fulfill those expectations then advancing to states looks like a legitimate possibility.

First up, the always scrappy and tough George Mason Mustangs.

Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the game.

Mason jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and, well, that was about it for the Mustangs. By the time the first quarter was over, Independence had scored fifteen straight points and held a lead they would never relinquish, 15-2.

Tiger Freshman center Gabriel Coulthurst was a force in the middle scoring several early buckets and blocking shots on the other end of the court. And guards Bradley Gagen and Jack Gagen were both hitting big shots from the outside.

The Tigers' full court press--which they applied from the opening whistle--completely discombobulated George Mason's attempts to get the ball up the court and led to multiple early turnovers and easy baskets for Independence.

And that's pretty much the way it went the whole game. A halftime lead of 25 points led to a third quarter lead of 34 and a final margin of over 40 points. An easy win for the Tigers, for sure, but it's only going to get harder and they need to be ready for a tougher match next time.

5Final Score: Independence 77 - George Mason 35