Leesburg, Va. — Heritage High School senior Zach Garrett has made a commitment to continue his basketball career at Division I George Mason University starting in the 2017-2018 school year.

“Being committed feels great,” the 6-foot-4 shooting guard-small forward hybrid said. “It really feels like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Now I have time to focus and get ready for the season and school year.”

The Division I Patriots are coached by Dave Paulsen — who will enter his third season at the helm when Garrett enters the program. Paulsen helped the Patriots to one of the best turnarounds in the country in the 2016-2017  season with a 20-14 record before falling to Atlantic 10 No. 2 VCU 71-60 in the conference quarterfinals to close out the season.

George Mason plays its home games at Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax — a mere 30 miles from Heritage, so Garrett will be right at home.

“I chose George Mason because I have a lot of family that lives around the school and strong support network within the school,” Garrett said. “I also know I’ll be getting a great education as well and playing for a great basketball program. I really like the coaching staff; they are a group of guys that love the game and care about the team a lot.”

Garrett mentioned that among the things he will bring to the George Mason program is size on the floor.

“ I [will]bring my size — being a bigger guard — to the Patriots team,” Garrett said. “I also add the ability to stretch the floor being able to play and defend multiple positions as well as shoot the 3-ball well.”

Garrett along with Pride teammate Chris Chapman — who will play for DIII Hampden-Sydney next winter — helped the Pride to a 21-5 overall record this past season after struggling to win 10 games over the past two seasons.

“Playing for Heritage has been interesting,” Garrett said. “My first two years, we didn’t have much success; I believe we won 10 games my freshmen year and only 2 my sophomore. Coach Carpenter really helped turn the program around, winning more games my junior year and having a great senior year. From 2-20 to 21-5 feels pretty good. I feel like I’ve been able to accomplish a lot of great things for the program individually and with my team. We helped establish a great program at the school and I’m hoping that the next year’s program can continue our success.”

Garrett also mentioned that he plays because he fell in love with the game, but later than most would expect for a DI commit.

“I play basketball really cause I love the game,” Garrett said. “Neither of my parents played and no one in my family played. I wasn’t introduced to the game until sixth grade tryouts for Harper Park Middle School and that’s when I fell in love with the game. It’s something that my family has always supported me with and always been my driving force. All four of my family members have sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am today and I just want to make them proud.”