In an unforgettable home showdown, Deerfield JV Boys Basketball outlasted Cushing Academy in a quadruple overtime thriller, clinching the victory on a Will Machnik ’26 three-pointer with just four seconds remaining. The game was defined by extraordinary performances, clutch moments, and relentless teamwork from start to finish.
Deerfield built a strong early lead behind sharp execution, with JJ Kicza ’28 banking in a three-pointer to set the tone, followed by another banked three from Marty Rodriguez Pastor ’28. Will Machnik ’26 turned defense into offense with a steal and dish to Rodriguez Pastor for a fast-break layup. The team executed brilliantly on inbound plays, highlighted by a perfect pass from Mike Hioe ’27 to a wide-open Mac Hynds ’26 for an easy bucket. Jay Rich ’27 added a spark with multiple steals and defensive stops, including a volleyball-style spike to break up a promising Cushing play. At the half, Deerfield led 29-18.
Cushing adjusted to a 2-3 zone in the second half, and Deerfield struggled to find consistent scoring. Sam Peake ’28 provided critical offense, rising up for a floater to regain the lead at 34-32. As the game tightened, Machnik fed Hawk Okpokwasili ’25 at the high post, who kicked it out to Rodriguez Pastor for a game-tying three-pointer with 30 seconds left in regulation. A missed Cushing three-pointer sent the game into overtime.
In the first overtime, Peake’s baseline drive and Okpokwasili’s back-to-back blocks kept Deerfield in the game. A Machnik layup brought the Doors within one, and Hynds found Peake on a fast break to force a second overtime.
The second overtime saw Machnik bury a banked three to give Deerfield a two-point lead, but Cushing responded to force a third extra period. In triple overtime, Rodriguez Pastor hit a deep three to tie the game at 53-53, and after Cushing took a two-point lead, Peake and Machnik executed a sideline out of bounds play which allowed Machnik to drive and score, sending it to a fourth overtime with a buzzer-beating layup.
With the game tied at 59-59 in the fourth overtime, Machnik’s clutch shooting came through. Cushing took a two point lead with just 30 seconds to play, but Machnik found an opening and swished a three-pointer with just four seconds remaining to seal the win at 62-61. Cushing’s last-second half-court heave narrowly missed, sending the entire Deerfield crowd—students, faculty, families alike—into a frenzy.
Standout Performances:
• Will Machnik ’26: 23 points (14 in overtime), game-winning three-pointer
• Marty Rodriguez Pastor ’28: 11 points, clutch threes
• Sam Peake ’28: 10 points, critical playmaking against the 2-3 zone
• JJ Kicza ’28: 6 points, strong defense
• Mac Hynds ’26: 5 points, key assists and fast breaks
• Hawk Okpokwasili ’25: 5 points, big blocks and rebounding
• Mike Hioe ’27: 3 steals, sharp playmaking
• Jay Rich ’27: 3 steals, defensive intensity
This epic win exemplified Deerfield’s resilience and determination, with contributions from every player. The team showed incredible grit in overcoming Cushing’s adjustments and relentless energy, earning a victory that will be remembered for years to come.