Martlets Defeat Pomfret in OT

In a renewed rivalry along the winding route of Route 44, the Martlets traveled to Pomfret to take on the Griffin’s. The Black and Gold were undermanned with injuries and illness but came out committed to playing team basketball. Alexei Kocatas ‘25 drove to the rim with tenacity, notching six of his seven total points in the first half. Ethan Hernandez ‘27 stepped into a pure three-pointer but the Griffins hit an offensive flurry with three quick three-pointers, taking a lead of 19-13 into the half. The Martlets were undeterred, building on the momentum of ball movement and interior defense. Brody DiBeneditto ‘26 drained two key three-pointers in the gaps of the Griffin zone and Liam Murray ‘26 added a smooth mid-range jumper to help the Martlets cut down Pomfret’s lead. Rhys Marschke ‘24 led the way in communication, fighting through screens, and keeping the game at a half-court pace for the Black and Gold to soar. He added four second half points. The Martlets tied the game and forced the Griffins into four extra minutes of basketball thanks to a contested three by Finn Williams ‘26, a key free-throw from Ethan, and interior rebounding by the pride of Rumson, Hugh Olson ‘25. Finn added a block and the team improved in their transition defense. In overtime, scoring was at a premium, in fact scoreless, until the Martlets called timeout for the final possession. Alexei Kocatas ‘25 made a move to the rim and got to the line as time expired. Stepping into the line with the game on the line, Alexei converted the first and the second need not apply in securing the win. The Martlets flew away from the Quiet Corner with a team-win, led by great ball movement and communication. The team takes on Suffield Academy next on Friday in Pettee Gymnasium.