Martlets Defeat Bearcats

The Martlets welcomed the Bearcats of Hotchkiss into the confines of Pettee Gymnasium on a brisk Saturday afternoon, and for a time it appeared the Black and Gold might control the tempo from the outset. Aidan O’Callaghan ’26 set the tone early, knocking down a three-pointer and adding a basket inside to give Westminster an early edge. Cole Hadden ’26 and Liam Murray ’26 supplied rebounding and Sixth Form energy that helped steady the opening minutes. Hotchkiss, however, found its rhythm from the perimeter. A flurry of early three-pointers allowed the Bearcats to settle in and carry a narrow 21–18 lead into the locker room at halftime. But if there is one thing this locker room knows, it is how to compete, and how to respond. Westminster emerged for the second half with clear intent. Maruli Sianturi ’28 continued his strong weekend, banking in a three-pointer and pairing it with tenacious defense and hard, purposeful drives to the basket. Sonny Darnowski ’28 answered the physical challenge on the glass, boxing out with authority and collecting four rebounds in the second half. The defining stretch came late. A 7–0 run, fueled by timely steals and baskets from Calvin Bixby ’28, who finished with 11 points, and punctuated by a trademark banked free throw from Hadden, swung the game decisively. Connor Gray ’26 added 10 points and four rebounds, calmly sinking two late free throws to help secure the outcome. A hard-fought, collective win for the JV Martlets, who now turn their attention to the road and a Wednesday matchup at Salisbury.