Middle School Girls Basketball Squad Rides Team-First Approach to Undefeated Season

The formula for a successful basketball season isn't overly complicated. It comes down to a positive attitude, coachable players, and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
 
The Masters School's middle school girls basketball squad embodied all these traits and more this past winter. Not surprisingly, the results on the court were perfection.

The Panthers — powered by an unwavering team-first approach — went undefeated with an impressive 5-0 record. 

For coach Maria Nardulli, it was nothing short of dream-like.  "They were all extremely positive and coachable," Nardulli said. "That is every coach's dream!"

The dominant campaign included wins over Convent of Sacred Heart, Greenwich Academy A, Greenwich Academy B, King and Rippowam Cisqua.

"We played as a team every game, and that led us to our success," Nardulli said. "They all helped each other in different ways in games and in drills. Every time they stepped in the gym, they were prepared and wanted to get better."

Masters was superb on the defensive end of the court, refusing to relinquish more than 20 points in a game all season.

"We were super aggressive by getting steals," Nardulli said. "We were also very good on the offensive end. Our team moved very well. We cut hard and moved the ball well to get everyone involved to score. We also could attack the basket one-on-one very well and get past defenders." 

As the squad's architect, Nardulli was beyond thrilled with how things came together this winter. 

"I am extremely proud of each individual as well as the whole team for all their efforts and accomplishments on the court," she said. "This was one of my favorite seasons to coach after the pandemic last year. I could not be more proud of this team."

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