It was another exciting and active week in Belmont Day athletics, highlighted by our annual Friday Night Hoops event against Meadowbrook. The evening was an amazing community celebration, with students, families, faculty, and fans filling the gym to support our teams and create an electric atmosphere. Events like this continue to showcase the spirit and connection that make BDS athletics so special.
The girls’ varsity basketball team tipped off the festivities on Friday Night Hoops and delivered a strong effort in front of the home crowd. Sofie Cutie applied incredible defensive pressure throughout the game and carried that same intensity into the team’s matchup against Dedham Country Day. Fatoumata Bah hit several big shots on Friday night to keep the Blue & Gold within striking distance, and Colby Schneider proved to be a difference maker on the inside in the Dedham Country Day game, controlling the boards and providing a strong interior presence.
The boys’ varsity basketball team played the second match-up against Meadowbrook, ultimately falling 48–27. The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams locked in early. Meadowbrook eventually found a rhythm and built a lead as shots were hard to come by for BDS. In the second half, Belmont Day came roaring back behind the inspired play of Evan Bae, Ethan Antipov, and Murilo Santos, who brought energy and determination on both ends of the floor.
The boys’ varsity team returned to action on Thursday, hosting Fenn. After a slow start, the Blue & Gold battled all the way back with aggressive play sparked by Deniz Kas and the offensive firepower of Evan Bae, who finished with 27 points. The team’s effort and resilience were evident throughout, but Fenn ultimately pulled away late to secure a 51–42 win.
The girls’ JV basketball team earned an exciting road win in Concord, rallying from a first-half deficit to shut down Nashoba Brooks in the second half and prevail 17–15 in a tight, physical contest. Gritty defensive play led by Lucy Rodriguez, Reema Wulfsberg, and Zoe Masozera kept the game close and ignited several breakaway opportunities. Rowan McCoy led all scorers with 9 points in an impressive team victory.
The boys’ JV team also traveled to Fenn on Thursday and showed steady improvement throughout the game. Most notably, Jonathan Deng poured in 16 points to lead the offensive effort. Despite the progress and strong individual performances, BDS ultimately fell 40–24.
The fencing team had a strong showing on Thursday as well, earning a 14–13 overall victory against Shady Hill by winning 14 of 27 bouts. Epee competed closely, winning four of nine bouts in a narrow loss. Foil and sabre led the way, each winning five of nine bouts to secure the overall team victory. Jacob Jarbeau, who recently switched from epee to foil, won both of his bouts. Zade Wulfsberg continued his strong run with another foil victory, marking consecutive weeks with wins. Fred Mak dominated in sabre, winning all three of his bouts, while Ashwin Balakrishnan added two sabre victories. In epee, Maitreyee Bonthapally, Chris Baker, Kayla Li, and Michael Geng each earned a win to round out a total team effort.
Our hiking and climbing team continues to thrive during its Tuesday visits to The Bouldering Project in Somerville. The group has been having a fantastic time building skills, confidence, and teamwork. Team captains Maren Whitman, Mame Gensler, Frankie Dowers, and Nihka Linhart have led with enthusiasm and care, pushing both themselves and their teammates to new heights. During off-campus climbing days, students have learned how to safely and properly use auto belays, boulder effectively, and support one another through belaying.
Penelope Wong, Lucia Panch, Iris Xu, Jeremy Pan, and Ahna Chakra have been honing their skills on the bouldering island, sharing techniques and encouraging one another. Gwen Wagner, Dalia Dicrescenzo, Helen Brady, Catherine Brady, Caroline Frost, Tallulah Chipman, Josie Goldstyn, and Anna Paulson have been scaling the walls using the auto belays, discovering new strengths and building confidence with each climb. Nuria Kumar-Warikoo, Ella Kamenski, Sylvie Fry, Wren Kass, and Ashley Fleming continue to motivate their teammates while pushing their own limits and setting new personal records. The team has also benefited greatly from the expertise of Bouldering Project coach Zack, whose passion for climbing has inspired our students throughout the season.
It has been another memorable week filled with growth, perseverance, and strong community support. Thank you, as always, for cheering on our student-athletes.
Next week marks the final week of winter competition before we shift into our Mud Season break, with spring sports set to begin on March 16. We look forward to a strong finish to the winter season and an exciting transition into spring.
Go BDS!
– Stephen Marks, director of athletics
