Tuesday, December 6, 2005

Top Teams

George Mason (16-8), Strasburg (17-9).

G Maggie O'Toole, George Mason, Sr., 5-6; F Alex Pender, George Mason, Sr., 5-10; F Taylor Warner, Clarke County, Jr. 5-9.

George Mason , which lost in the district tournament semifinals last season, returns all five starters but lost six seniors to graduation. Shooting guard O'Toole, the reigning district player of the year, and all-district selection Pender lead the Mustangs through a rigorous nondistrict schedule that includes several teams in higher classifications, including AAA North Stafford . . . . Manassas Park graduated three seniors from last year's 7-17 team but acquired junior point guard Gabby Banks, who transferred from Fairfax . Coach Pam Burkhalter hopes the Cougars improve their free throw shooting (45 percent last season) and capitalize offensively on their speed and rebounding.

-- Rich Campbell