Masters Stuns GCDS in FAA Quarterfinal

2/26/2025

Faced with a daunting regular-season schedule, Masters' varsity boys basketball squad stared down adversity all season.

As a result, the Panthers refused to blink first in Tuesday's Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) quarterfinal round at Greenwich Country Day School (GCDS).

No. 7-seeded Masters stunned No. 2-seeded and defending champ GCDS, 69-57, advancing to the semifinal round at No. 3-seeded Brunswick on February 26.

"We have been battle-tested with an extremely difficult schedule," Panthers head coach Joey Kuhl said following the win.

Masters' grueling slate included matchups against New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class A powers Suffield Academy, Berkshire, Choate Rosemary Hall and Avon Old Farms.

"We have had a lot of experience in pressure-packed games, so it has been rewarding as a coach to see our growth and poise in those moments," Kuhl said.

The Panthers lost to GCDS, 77-55, back on February 11, however, it was a different story in the rematch.

Unlike in the first season meeting between the two teams — which saw GCDS pull away in the second half — the Panthers just kept on clawing back.

Masters trailed 33-30 at the break and by as many as 10 early in the second half, however, they rallied back and stormed away from GCDS over the final 10 minutes of regulation. A transition layup from Hudson Rodriguez ’26 — with roughly 6:35 left — gave the Panthers a 47-46 lead they would never relinquish.

"We matched (GCDS') physicality, limited our turnovers against the press and executed offensively in a variety of situations," Kuhl said.

Rodriguez led Masters with a game-high 19 points. Omari Levy ’26 (17 points) Edward Tam ’25 (10 points), Jonathan Mafuru ’25 (8 points), Luc Brongniart ’26 (8 points), Azzan Thomas ’25 (4 points) and Jake Raab ’26 (3 points) rounded out the offensive production.

"Everyone played well and contributed," Kuhl said. "It was a true team win in every sense. They handled adverse situations with poise and class. Hudson and Eddie gave us a huge lift off the bench. Jonathan was a consistent physical presence. We played together for the full 32 minutes. Getting Eddie and Jake back healthier has given us more depth to play harder."