Greenwich High girls basketball team eliminated from the FCIAC Tournament with a loss to Trumbull in quarterfinals

By David Fierro on February 23, 2025 • ( Leave a comment )

**Photo by Dan Utzinger:** Greenwich High School junior guard Madi Utzinger shoots a 3-pointer during the third quarter of the FCIAC Tournament quarterfinals against Trumbull. Utzinger scored a team-high 13 points in Greenwich’s 52-38 loss.

Points were a bit tough to come by for the Greenwich High School girls basketball team during its FCIAC Tournament quarterfinal-round game against Trumbull High School, especially in the pivotal second quarter that saw the Cardinals score just one point.

Unfortunately for the second-seeded Cardinals, their second quarter scoring drought enabled the seventh-seeded Eagles to build a double-digit lead, which they maintained thereafter.

Capitalizing on a big second quarter and standout defensive play, No. 7 seeded Trumbull turned back No. 2 seeded Greenwich, 52-38, to advance to the FCIAC Tournament semifinals.

The loss was only the second of the season for the Cardinals, who had hopes of capturing their first FCIAC Tournament championship in quite some time. Greenwich has a record of 19-2 on the season and defeated Trumbull, 44-33, at Greenwich High during the regular season.

**Photo by Dan Utzinger:** Greenwich High School senior center Zuri Faison drives to the basket during the Cardinals’ game against Trumbull in the FCIAC quarterfinals at Staples High School. Faison had 12 points in Greenwich’s 52-38 loss.

“It’s the playoffs, everyone is bringing their absolute best, we knew going in that Trumbull looks for their outside shots a lot, they just happened to have the hot hand,” Greenwich coach Megan Wax said.

Trumbull held a 13-12 edge on Greenwich after the first quarter of action, then outscored the Cards, 10-1 in the second quarter to open a 23-13 halftime lead. The Cardinals haven’t trailed in many games this season, especially not by double figures.

Sophomore forward Carley Johnston scored a game-high 14 points with three 3-pointers and teammate Lily Seltenreich, a senior guard, added 12 points and also converted a trio of 3-point shots for Trumbull (13-8).

**Photo courtesy of Dan Utzinger:** Greenwich senior guard Alyssa Gath receives a pass while being guarded by Callie McGillicuddy of Trumbull during the FCIAC Tournament quarterfinals at Staples High School on Feb. 22, 2025.

“It’s immensely difficult when they’re scoring three and we’re trying to counterattack with a two,” Wax said of Trumbull’s solid shooting.

The Cardinals, who were riding a four-game winning streak after starting the season 15-1, were led by junior guard Madi Utzinger’s 13 points. Freshman center Zuri Faison totaled 12 points, while junior guard Juliette Pelham and freshman guard Elsa Xhekaj had five points apiece.

Ahead 9-8, Greenwich took a 12-8 first-quarter advantage when Pelham swished a 3-pointer late in the opening quarter. The Cards would only score one point the rest of the half as the Golden Eagles seized control of this playoff matchup.

**Photo by Dan Utzinger**: Cardinals freshman guard Elsa Xhekaj dribbles the ball into the lane against Trumbull High School.

Faison’s foul shot with 6:26 remaining in the third quarter evened the score at 13-13, but that’s the only point GHS managed in the quarter. Gruttadauria made a 3-pointer from the right wing area and sophomore guard Kylie Manuel (four points) and junior Michaela Diamond each converted key baskets, giving Trumbull a 23-13 halftime advantage.

Diamond posted 10 points for the victors. Greenwich had trouble getting open shots during the second quarter, as Trumbull’s defense clamped down, forcing several turnovers, while also contesting shots.

**Photo courtesy of Dan Utzinger:** Greenwich senior forward Kate Baxendale goes in for a shot from the post vs. Trumbull.

“I think they’re defense was outstanding,” Wax said of Trumbull. “Every time we got something going, they had a second person there to help, or they were able to trap. I think early in the game it got us a little flustered, then the frustration started taking over.”

The Cardinals, who played man-to-man defense and mixed in a zone, found some rhythm on offense in the third quarter, but the Golden Eagles matched baskets with them for the most part and maintained their double-digit lead.

Coached by Steve Tobitsch, Trumbull built a 41-25 lead, then GHS went on an 8-1 spurt to close to within 42-33. Baskets by Xhekaj and Pelham, followed by a pair of free throws by Faison cut Greenwich’s deficit to 42-33 with 4:05 left in the final quarter.

**Photo by Dan Utzinger**: Greenwich junior guard Juliette Pelham looks to pass the ball inside to teammate Zuri Faison.

On the ensuing possession, Seltenreich nailed a huge 3-pointer from the left corner, giving Trumbull a 45-33 lead and it was ahead by double figures the rest of the way.

“It’s hard when you want something so bad and you feel like you worked really hard to prepare for it and it’s not happening,” Wax noted. “I think our team started feeling frustrated and it’s a position our team hasn’t been in too much this season.”

Trumbull plays third-seeded Fairfield Warde in the FCIAC Tournament semifinals on Feb. 24 at Trumbull High School at 7:15 p.m. In the other FCIAC semifinal, fourth-seeded Staples faces top-seeded Ridgefield at 5:30 p.m., also at Trumbull High School.

Despite the disappointing FCIAC quarterfinal-round loss. The season is far from over for the Cardinals.

**Photo by Dan Utzinger:** Cardinals junior guard Mikayla Kiernan drives to the basket for a layup attempt vs. Trumbull.

Winning 19 games gives the Cardinals a No. 3 ranking in the CIAC Class LL state rankings. Therefore, Greenwich will have a great seed heading into the CIAC Class LL Tournament and will start the tournament with a home game or possibly three, should it advance.

Indeed, Greenwich will be intent on making a strong run toward the state title after falling short in the FCIAC tourney.

“Right now, everyone is in their feels about this game, but we will focus ahead,” Wax said following the FCIAC quarterfinal. “There’s a whole other tournament, it’s a new season basically. They’ve worked really hard to get into a high position on that, so we’ll learn and grow. It’s what you love about sport.”

**Photo courtesy of Dan Utzinger:** Madi Utzinger of Greenwich with the ball in the FCIAC quarters vs Trumbull High School.

“Everybody has a frustrated and a resilient mindset in that locker room,” Wax continued. “They know this is not how we want to play and we’re not doing it again. In the state tournament a home game is huge. They worked very hard for that and we’re excited to host. We’ll put our heads down and get back to work.”