The winter sports season was packed with intensity, growth, and a few exciting playoff runs, including the Varsity G/NB Basketball team earning a spot in the state tournament and the JV Grey B/NB Basketball team advancing to the NYCAL Championships. Our Middle and Upper School teams battled through a number of competitive matches, showing steady improvement and resilience every step of the way. Go Cougars!
View all photos on Calhoun's media gallery
Varsity Boys/Non-Binary Students Basketball
The Varsity B/NB Basketball team had a successful year on the court and a strong showing in NYCAL league play, coming in third overall to end the season. The annual Blackout game against Loyola in early January was a highlight, with Coach Casey Shane writing, "The energy from the community was phenomenal, the team showed incredible togetherness, and it was a fantastic win." Throughout the season, the team had dominant and decisive wins against almost every single league opponent, finishing with an 11-10 record overall and a 10-4 record in NYCAL. "The biggest growth the team achieved was learning how to stay consistent and compete when needed," says Casey. The team was led by captains Andres C. '26, Sebastian P. '26, and Brian S. '26.
Varsity Girls/Non-Binary Students Basketball
For the first time in over twelve years, the Varsity G/NB Basketball team qualified for the NYSAISAA State Tournament! Their appearance in the tournament quarterfinals followed a commanding season on the court, with an impressive record of 17-5 heading into states. The team earned many big wins throughout the season, including a victory against Columbia that gave the team early momentum in league play and a comeback win over Trevor in December, in addition to defeating UNIS in January and Loyola in the first round of league playoffs. Making states was a goal for the team, one they achieved by showing resilience through adversity and fighting back in close games. The student-athletes brought a fun and competitive energy to the gym and supported one another through practices and games. Jordynn W. '29 led the NYCAL in scoring as a 9th grader. She posted a triple double early in the season and had multiple 30 point games, with a season high of 34 points. She also had multiple games with 10 plus steals. Molly B. '27 was the team’s second leading scorer, leading the team in three-point shooting and scoring a season-high of 31 points late in the regular season.
Varsity Indoor Track
Following several regular-season meets at the Armory, the Varsity Indoor Track team ended their season with a strong showing in the NYCAL Championships. Simone A. '27 took first place in the 300M (43.47) and 600M (1:46.39). She also joined teammates Leah-Kaye P-M. '27, Jolie V. '29, and Ariana Z. '28 to earn first place in the 4x200M relay (1:56.81). These victories propelled the G/NB team to a third place overall finish! Three Calhoun runners also qualified to compete at the upcoming NYSAISAA State Meet. Several runners achieved personal bests and all student-athletes worked hard to improve at their events.
Varsity Table Tennis
The Varsity Table Tennis team ended their season with an appearance in the NYCAL quarterfinals, competing against Horace Mann. In addition to their playoff match, the team's 3-2 win against Léman in early January was another memorable moment of the season. Student-athletes worked hard throughout practices and were able to improve their consistency as the season progressed. Dean R. '26 finished with leading results, securing four wins, and Rishi K. '27 led the team well as captain. We're looking forward to continuing to grow Calhoun's Table Tennis program.
Junior Varsity Grey Boys/Non-Binary Students Basketball
The JV Grey B/NB Basketball team had a dominant season, ending with a 16-6 record and advancing to the NYCAL JV Championships. Coach Zeus Rocancourt considers the semifinal game versus Grace Church as one of the standout events of the season, as the team fought back from a 17-point deficit to win a huge playoff game. In addition to growing their skills on the court, everyone "developed a growth mindset when it comes to basketball... view[ing] every up and down as an opportunity to grow and improve," writes Zeus. Prince W. '27 and Garrett Y. '27 were natural team leaders, Jacob R. '29 set the tone for practices and games, and Jace R. '28 anchored the team's defense and helped hold others accountable.
Junior Varsity Green Boys/Non-Binary Students Basketball
The JV Green B/NB Basketball team had a special season on and off the court, ending with a 4-5 record. The team's 45-38 victory against Trinity in late January was the culmination of the team's hard work, with Coach David Shepard considering Trinity "the greatest team JV Green has ever beat." Throughout the season, the team developed their rapport and their love of the game, in addition to gaining enduring friendships with their fellow teammates. Chris S. '29 was the team's MVP, dropping 20 points in multiple games.
Middle School 7th/8th Boys/Non-Binary Students Basketball
The MS 7th/8th B/NB Basketball team notched five impressive wins throughout the season. A few of the most memorable moments were the team's victories at Stephen Gaynor and Rodeph Sholom, as well as their home win against Avenues. "Our tough loss at UNIS stands out as well because we worked as a team and played to our standard," writes Coach Sean Strausbaugh. Overall, the student-athletes worked well together and cheered each other on – providing a crucial morale boost to the team. Oliver L. '31 and Lucas D. M. '30 were honorary team captains and led the team throughout the season.
Middle School 7th/8th Girls/Non-Binary Students Basketball
In the final two games of the MS 7th/8th G/NB Basketball season, the team "scored over 45 points in each matchup, executed plays effectively, and recorded more than 20 steals as a group," recounts Coach Brooke Carbajal. Their performance on the court was as impressive as their sportsmanship, she continued, writing, "Throughout both games, every player consistently encouraged and supported one another, creating a positive and energized team atmosphere." The team spent the season developing their fundamental skills, practicing their ability to respond to feedback, and growing their overall understanding of the game. By the end of the season, they were beginning to execute a trap defense and showing a much clearer understanding of team defense and the importance of communication. "While there is still plenty of room to grow, the progress this group made in a single season was something to be proud of," says Brooke. Emilia B. '30 was a standout player both on and off the court. Averaging over 10 points per game, Emilia made a clear impact offensively and led by example, showing responsibility, focus, determination, and an unwavering support of her teammates.
Middle School 5th/6th Boys/Non-Binary Students Basketball
The MS 5th/6th B/NB Basketball team's home game was a peak of the season. In front of an encouraging crowd of friends and family, the full team showed significant improvement from the beginning of the season. The players became stronger and more agile from drills run in practice and increased their knowledge about the game of basketball. As Head Coach Jess Fairweather and Assistant Coach Kaliph Grant describe, Dan S. '32, Aiden P. '32, and B H. '32 emerged as the team's leaders – exemplifying leadership in their gameplay, and with their attentiveness both on and off the court. Additionally, Creed W. '33 and Hasa K. '33 assisted with keeping their teammates in the 5th grade engaged during the season.
Middle School 5th/6th Girls/Non-Binary Students Basketball
The MS 5th/6th G/NB Basketball team's season ended on a high note. In their final game against Bank Street, the team "played aggressive, physical defense and wasn't scared to get after the ball," writes Coach Nicola Zimmer. "I was proud of their effort and how much confidence they gained throughout the season," she continued. The team was led by a strong group of 6th graders – shout-out to Gianna V-K., Lily G-P., Ava A., Araceli H., Sophia M-C., Eva A-M., and Yeala T. for their leadership in practices. We're looking forward to having the 5th graders Zoey S., Alisiah W-M., Vita G-B., Justeen V., and Joelle V. back next year. Throughout the season, the student-athletes developed their fundamental skills and were taking more risks. "There's a bright future for G/NB hoops if this group continues to work hard," says Nicola.