The Prince Edward County High School varsity boys basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 61-43 to George Mason in the 2A East Region quarterfinals on Tuesday, which ended the team’s season.

“I thought this year’s team did what, as a coach, you want from your team to get better every game,” said PECHS Athletic Director Rodney Kane.

“We lost two 1,000-point scorers from last year’s Final Four team.”

The third quarter is when Prince Edward saw a break and got a chance to catch up to George Mason after trailing 31-19 at halftime. The Eagles lowered the gap to a 10-point difference entering the final quarter trailing 43-33.

But, their efforts could not stop George Mason and its precise shooting.

“After a slow start (3-8) at the beginning of the season, the team went 12-4 over the last 16 games and advanced to the James River District tournament championship game, Quad Rivers Conference 34 tournament championship and to the Sweet Sixteen in the state,” said Kane. “It was fun to watch many of the young players mature on the court … And, our leading scorers and rebounder will be back next year with the goal of a state championship.”

The Eagles end their season 15-12 overall.

“On top of a great season was the 500th win milestone by coach James Scott versus Amelia on Jan. 28. Coach Scott ended the year with 507 wins. All in all, a successful year and we are hoping for bigger things next year,” Kane said.