Cate Celebrates Senior Night Win Over Thacher

February 5, 2026

In front of a loud, packed home crowd with students standing and bringing energy for all 32 minutes, the Cate boys varsity basketball team upset rival Thacher in a Tri-Valley League rematch, 69–62. From the opening tip, our team fed off the atmosphere, the energy from the crowd, and the leadership of our seniors. Senior Chase Meyer led all players with a dominant performance, finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and countless hustle plays that set the tone for the night.

This was our most complete performance of the season. Four starters finished in double figures, with another adding seven crucial points, reflecting just how balanced our scoring was. But more than the numbers, it was our intensity and tenacity that earned this win. Starters and bench contributors alike embraced a true “next man up” mentality. Steals, deflections, blocks, help-side defense, offensive rebounds, and relentless effort on every possession defined our night.

Junior Braylin Glomah was phenomenal with a triple-double, recording 11 points, 10 blocks, 14 rebounds, and five deflections. We played unselfishly, consistently finding the open teammate and forcing Thacher out of their typically dominant zone defense, something we take real pride in. Junior Jackson Steele led the way with four assists, while Meyer and Glomah added three each.

We came out firing in the first quarter. Freshman Ian Kim knocked down two quick threes, Steele added two of his own, Meyer attacked the rim and hit from deep, and Glomah chipped in five points as the Rams jumped out to a 15–2 lead. As expected, Thacher responded with a strong push, cutting the lead to 21–10 by the end of the first.

Thacher opened the second quarter with momentum, trimming the lead to 21–15, but we answered immediately. Meyer hit a three off a Steele assist, followed by a defensive stop and a massive rebound from Glomah, who went coast to coast for a tough finish.

Our relentless style led to some foul trouble, but that’s where our depth shined. Sophomores Michael Mumbo, Gurnoop Singh, Kunqi Wang, and David Fu gave us important minutes, while freshmen guards Julian Belfer and Kim showed remarkable composure and maturity when the game tightened, and two starters were forced to sit with foul trouble.

The Rams remained in control throughout the second half, never allowing Thacher to take the lead. Their closest push came in a last-ditch effort with just under three minutes remaining, when they knocked down two big three-pointers followed by two quick putbacks, cutting our lead to four with 22 seconds left.

On the next possession, Meyer was fouled while bringing the ball up the sideline and was injured on the play. In that moment, the best person to shoot the free throws was senior captain and four-year varsity player Josh Butler. Out with a career-ending injury since December, Butler calmly went to the line, missed the first, then delivered under pressure, knocking down the second to extend the Rams’ lead to five and seal a pivotal moment in the game.

This game showed exactly what we are capable of when we play tough, unselfish, and relentless basketball, never giving up on a play and trusting one another.

We’re back in action Monday night at 7:00 p.m. against St. Bonaventure. Thacher lost to the Seraphs by four, and we beat Thacher by seven, so please come out after Dance Convo and bring the same energy as last night. Thank you to everyone who made the gym atmosphere unforgettable.