The Masuk Panthers varsity boys basketball team's record stood at 4-11, before it dug its way out of a hole. A five game winning streak has them at 9-11 with invitations to the Class L state and SWC tournaments.

A 65-53 victory over New Fairfield at home Tuesday night — in the backdrop of Senior Night for five players and seniors on the cheerleading and dance teams — earned the SWC tournament berth.

Coach John DeGennaro is proud of how his team clawed back after struggling early in the season.

"It's been a nice run," he said. "The kids put it all together and won five in a row."

Seniors Anthony Salvatore, Jamie Johnson, Christian Terrell, Nick Davies and Chris Quinlan enjoyed a win in the last home game of their high school careers.

Matthew Gerak led Masuk's scorers with 22 points, Terrell pitched in 15 and Dom Migliaro scored 12 points. Gerak pulled down six rebounds and Davies had 5 defensive boards.

Anthony Cammorota of New Fairfield led all scorers with 32 points, but it was not enough for the visitors who had fallen behind by as much as 20 points. Even when it cut Masuk's lead to 53-43 late in the game, a Panthers' win never appeared to be in doubt.

After Masuk built a 30-17 halftime lead, the second half was dominated by referees' whistles and a barrage of trips to the free throw line for both teams. DeGennaro said it was a frustrating experience for both sides.

"In the first half, we played good basketball," DeGennaro said. "That's where we won the game. The kids did a great job. In the second half, they never really got close."

The quarterfinals for the SWC Tournament will feature four games at Masuk this Saturday. The Panthers do not yet know who their opponent will be. Masuk's league record is 7-7.