Winter Sports Review

Girls Varsity Basketball

For the first time, the Girls Varsity Basketball team competed in the top division during the regular season, offering the challenge of facing off against the top teams in Philadelphia. Despite the tough competition, the team made it to the elite eight, pulling off wins against some of the best teams in the region. Captain Jocelyn Goldstein (‘25) noted, “Playing a 24 game season is a testament to the effort and commitment of the team. It was a long but rewarding season and the team made massive improvements…” The tremendous amount of effort and countless hours the team put into the season paid off at the Lincoln Holiday Tournament where the team was crowned as champions of the tournament. Not only did the team leave the tournament victorious, but Jocelyn was named MVP and Sophia Brunelli (‘25) made first team all tournament. Jocelyn continued, “I’m so proud of how much the team improved throughout the season. Since November we’ve been in the gym every weekday getting in reps to put us in a position to qualify for the state playoffs. Although we didn’t win we left everything out on the court.”

Boys Varsity Basketball

The Boys Varsity Basketball team made great improvements this season, both on and off the court. Captain Gabriel LaRosa (‘25) remarked, “One of my proudest moments as captain was seeing how our team handled adversity this season. We faced a lot of challenges, from struggles with team chemistry to a tough losing streak. I’m incredibly proud of how we stayed focused, stayed positive, and never lost our determination.” Despite a 4-14 record this year, Gabe has high hopes for the future of the program, anticipating growth and dedication.“I’m excited to see how [younger players] will continue to develop their skills and contribute to the team’s success,” he said. 

Girls and Boys Varsity Swim 

Throughout the season, the girls and boys teams showcased their dominance in both the team and individual events with commanding performances in every competition. The boys team went undefeated in the dual meet season. During the regular season, Marika Bowen (‘28), Jordan Bellosi (‘27), Izzy Trieu (‘26), and Scarlett Vecsi (‘28) placed 3rd in both the 200 medley and freestyle relay races for the girls team. In addition, Quentin Charriez (‘25), Daniel Knapp (‘27), Ivan Man (‘27) and Jason Zhang (‘25) earned 2nd place in the medley relay and 3rd in the free relay at the District 12 meet. The boys team also earned 2nd after a tough loss to Central High School for the Philadelphia Public League Championship. Ultimately, athletes of all ages were able to excel; notably, Marika Bowen (‘28) won both the 50 and 100 meter freestyle races, breaking a long-standing District 12 record to qualify to represent Masterman at the PIAA state meet.

Girls and Boys Varsity Winter Track

Both teams saw outstanding team growth and record-breaking achievements. Captain Nora Perley (‘25) reflected on the devotion that enabled these achievement. She noted, “It’s been super cool to see how much people manage to grow athletically in really short periods of time. Seeing the improvements everyone has been able to make simply because they chose to show up is always amazing to watch.” Two records were broken by Masterman athletes this season. Nora Heiskell (‘26) won gold in the 3000m run during the PPL Indoor Track & Field Championship with a time of 11 minutes 49 seconds and Nik Hui (‘27) achieved the fastest time in the 60m in Masterman’s history, with a time of 7.71 seconds. Nora continued, “I am so incredibly proud of every athlete on the team, not only as athletes, but as people and I can’t wait to see the legacy [created] for the future.”

Varsity Squash

The Boys and Girls Squash teams both had exceptional seasons and continued their streak of dominance in the Philadelphia Public League. Captain Luc Bastien (‘25) remarked, “I’m proud that everyone on the team fought hard in every game during the regular season, nationals, and every practice. I never saw a lapse in anyone’s focus and it really paid off—we had a great season.” After a dominant performances in the regular season, both teams were crowned as Philadelphia Public League Champions after commanding wins over Esperanza Academy Charter School and Girls High. The players also competed in the PPL Individual Tournament where each team received first or second place in multiple divisions. To culminate the season, the teams competed in the High School Squash Nationals.