By Judah Rhine
MJDSBL
Boys Varsity National
YOF vs. HANC. Flatbush came out of the gate firing on all cylinders. They took an early 20-point lead after the first quarter. More of the same in the second and third. HANC had a very strong fourth quarter but it was too little too late as Flatbush secured the home victory.
Boys Varsity American
Brandeis vs. MBYA. The Brandeis Maccabees had multiple players in double digits on their way to a win over MBYA by a score of 57–25. The two teams were tied for fourth place before the game after MBYA beat the Maccabees at their home court a week prior. Aviv Shabtay had 23 points while Tyler Mojica had 15 points.
YDH vs. SHA. YDH stepped up in the fourth quarter and was able to close out SHA with a 63–57 victory. Abe Ibrahim led YDH in points and Levi Gold had the game-winning shot with under a minute to go and iced the game with 2 free throws with 9 seconds left.
Boys JV
YCQ vs. Mercaz. YCQ started strong and got off to a large lead, led by Captain J. Babayev who finished with 16 points. The bench took care of the rest and helped maintain the lead, led by Aiden Aronov and Ilan Zelcer, who scored 8 points each.
YDE vs. YHT. YDE took control of the game from the start with their high-pressure full-court defense. After a 10-point lead going into the half YDE switched into their zone defense, which commanded a 20-point lead, and they secured a 53–40 victory. High scorers were Ray Shasho with 17, Michael Maleh with 13, and Marc Saadia with 12 points.
Girls Varsity American
YOF vs. HAFTR. Yeshiva of Flatbush girls defeated HAFTR 32–16. The game got off to a slow start for both teams offensively with a halftime score of 9–0 Flatbush. Shots didn’t seem to connect for Flatbush at first on the HAFTR court. Both teams regrouped after halftime and came out stronger offensively. Flatbush came out with the win with the help of leading scorer Frieda Braha with 13 points.
Girls Varsity National
YOF vs. HANC. Flatbush girls defeated HANC behind a total team effort with all players contributing. Barbara Sasson and Scarlett Cohen led the way with 20 and 15 points respectively and Arlyne Levy added 8.
HAFTR vs. YHT. The HAFTR Hawks pulled off an impressive win against the YHT team showing a strong team effort utilizing nice shooting and strong defense. The Hawks were down by 4 points with only a couple of minutes left when they resiliently fought back to take the lead by 1 point. The Hawks had a couple of strong defensive stops in the last 15 seconds to hold on for this road win with a final score of 31–30.
Women’s Only
YDE vs. Bruriah. YDE came out strong starting off the game 8–0. Victoria Zeitouni carrying out the game with a solid 23 points with the help of her right-hand man Orly Sonado getting rebounds and putting up 11 points. There was great teamwork and communication. The final score was YDE 43–Bruriah 19.
HALB vs. Shulamith. HALB started off the new year strong with a dominant win over crosstown rival Shulamith. HALB got out to an early lead, which they maintained throughout the entire game securing the 33–24 victory. With the help of high scorers Ella Hirt, Lindsay Freund, and Kira Berry, HALB has now secured a 5–1 record.
HS Boys Varsity
MDY vs. YOF. The MDY Warriors faced off against the Flatbush Falcons. The Warriors were welcomed back by Moses Smeke who returned from an ankle injury. The Warriors took a 12–10 at the end of the first quarter. The Warriors were able to jump out to a lead on the strength of Jack Haber who went on a 6–0 run by himself. The score at the half was 30–22 MDY. The Warriors were able to maintain their lead at 41–30 to end the third quarter. The Warriors extended the lead to 19 but then the Falcons came back. Incredibly the Falcons tied the game at 60–60 with under 30 seconds. Mark Sardar brought up the ball and kicked it out to Moses Smeke who made a step back 3-point buzzer beater to secure the win 63–60. Moses Smeke had 21 points and 5 rebounds. Josh Chabbott had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Mark Sardar added 13 points.
Middle School Hockey
HANC vs. YHT. Defending champions HANC Hurricanes had another good week defeating YHT 7–2 led by 3 goals by Noam Koegel, 2 goals by Jonah Rosman, and 1 goal each by Kobe Schwartz and Zach Weitzman. Their record now stands at 5–0 so far this season as they prepare for a tough game with HALB next week.
HS Varsity Hockey
HANC vs. HAFTR. The HANC Hurricanes beat the HAFTR Hawks 6–4. HANC took the early lead on a one timer by Yoni Lovy. In a tightly played game HAFTR made the game close in the third period scoring a shorthanded goal 2 on 4, but HANC prevailed. Eliya Yitzchaky led all scorers with 4 goals while Jonah Oliner and Jacob Wolf led the scoring for HAFTR. HANC improved their record to 9–2.
HANC vs. YDE. The HANC Hurricanes beat the YDE Thunder 6–2. Ilan Koegel led HANC with a hat trick and Yoni Lovy, Eliyah Yitzchaky and Judah Weitzman added one goal each. HANC improved their record to 10–2.
| MJDSBL Standings | ||
| As of 1/7/24 | ||
| Boys Varsity National | Wins | Loss |
| MDY | 5 | 1 |
| YOF | 5 | 1 |
| YDE | 5 | 1 |
| NSHA | 5 | 1 |
| HALB | 4 | 2 |
| YHT | 3 | 3 |
| HAFTR | 2 | 5 |
| YCQ | 0 | 4 |
| HANC | 0 | 5 |
| Barkai | 0 | 6 |
| Boys Varsity American | Wins | Loss |
| SSSQ | 4 | 1 |
| Brandeis | 5 | 3 |
| Mazel | 3 | 2 |
| MBYA | 4 | 4 |
| YDH | 2 | 4 |
| SHA | 1 | 5 |
| Boys 7th Grade | Wins | Loss |
| YOF | 5 | 0 |
| MDY | 5 | 1 |
| YDE | 4 | 2 |
| HAFTR | 2 | 6 |
| HALB | 1 | 4 |
| NSHA | 1 | 5 |
| Boys JV | Wins | Loss |
| NSHA | 6 | 0 |
| HALB | 5 | 1 |
| MDY | 5 | 1 |
| YOF | 4 | 1 |
| HAFTR | 4 | 2 |
| YDE | 3 | 3 |
| YCQ | 2 | 3 |
| Barkai | 2 | 4 |
| YHT | 1 | 3 |
| Mercaz | 0 | 6 |
| YDH | 0 | 8 |
| Boys 5th Grade | Wins | Loss |
| YOF | 6 | 1 |
| MDY | 5 | 1 |
| HAFTR | 1 | 5 |
| NSHA | 0 | 5 |
| Girls Varsity National | Wins | Loss |
| YOF | 3 | 1 |
| NSHA | 4 | 2 |
| YHT | 3 | 3 |
| HAFTR | 2 | 2 |
| HANC | 0 | 4 |
| Girls Varsity American | Wins | Loss |
| NSHA | 5 | 0 |
| YOF | 3 | 1 |
| SSSQ | 2 | 2 |
| HAFTR | 2 | 3 |
| SHA | 0 | 6 |
| Women’s Only Varsity | Wins | Loss |
| RYNJ | 4 | 0 |
| HALB | 6 | 1 |
| MDY | 4 | 1 |
| YCQ | 4 | 3 |
| Shulamith | 3 | 4 |
| YDE | 3 | 4 |
| Barkai | 2 | 6 |
| Bruriah | 0 | 7 |
| Girls JV | Wins | Loss |
| YHT | 6 | 0 |
| NSHA | 3 | 1 |
| YOF RD | 4 | 2 |
| HAFTR | 2 | 4 |
| YOF SH | 1 | 4 |
| Mercaz | 0 | 5 |
| YJHSHL | ||||
| As of 1/7/24 | ||||
| Team | Wins | Loss | OTL | Points |
| HANC | 5 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| YCQ | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| YDE | 4 | 2 | 0 | 8 |
| YOF | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| HAFTR | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| HALB | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| YHT | 1 | 6 | 1 | 3 |
| NSHA | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| MDY | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Barkai | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
HAFTR Invitational Scott Satran Memorial Tournament a Success
The HAFTR Invitational Scott Satran Memorial Tournament concluded this weekend, culminating in a vibrant celebration of basketball, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and friendship. Now in its 38th year, this tournament proudly retains its status as the longest-running invitational in the Yeshiva League, and the latest edition surpassed expectations as an immense success.
Welcoming ten teams from diverse locations, including Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, and local New York area schools, HAFTR created a platform for spirited competition that extended beyond the court. The emphasis on unity was particularly evident during Shabbat, when students, united by their love for the game, forged connections that transcended basketball, fostering bonds over shared interests.
This year’s tournament took a poignant turn due to the unfolding situation in Israel. Friday night, typically reserved for post-Shabbat dinner entertainment, assumed a more solemn tone as the boys listened to accounts from Joey Hoenig, just returned from a mission trip to Israel, and Ilona Diamond. Amit Ya’akov from Friends of the IDF (FIDF), fresh from Gaza, also shared insights. The objective was clear: to raise awareness among participants about the ongoing events in Israel, leaving each player with a tangible reminder of unity and the plight of hostages in Gaza. Beyond the court, the tournament transcended mere sports, offering an experience that underscored the importance of community.
As the host, HAFTR expressed pride in the weekend’s success. Despite HAFTR’s 3–2 record, including a semifinal defeat against North Shore Hebrew Academy, the occasion served as a tribute to the seniors, acknowledging their years of dedication and outstanding play. Joey Hoenig, HAFTR’s athletic director and basketball coach, emphasized the tournament’s broader significance, stating, “Every year this tournament is a lot more than basketball, and this year was no exception. Hearing about Scott Satran’s life and the lessons learned from the resilience of his family and learning about what’s happening in Israel from people who just returned from the war zone, this year’s tournament was more meaningful than ever. And of course, the basketball was awesome. Congratulations to HAFTR who played really great but fell a bit short and to Magen David on winning their fifth championship in a row.”
HAFTR eagerly anticipates hosting the tournament again next year, expressing immense pride not only in the on-court victories but also in fostering connections, camaraderie, and sportsmanship within the Yeshiva League community. The tournament’s conclusion left participants, organizers, and spectators with lasting memories of a weekend filled with competitive spirit and unity. Special thanks were extended to all who hosted players, the maintenance crew, Frazier Elite for their referee teams, and the supportive spectators who cheered on their teams. The shared appreciation for values and connections affirmed the HAFTR Invitational Scott Satran Memorial Tournament’s status as a highlight on the Yeshiva League calendar.
The MDY Warriors faced off against the North Shore Stars for the championship in the finals of the Satran Tournament. Both teams came out a bit lethargic to open up the first half, but the Warriors were able to get help from Alfonse Shiloach off the bench with 8 points to help propel them to a 27–14 halftime lead. The Warriors took the momentum into the third quarter as their smothering defense led to easy baskets. Moses Smeke was the igniter on the offensive end. The final score was 57–36 in favor of the Warriors. Moses Smeke finished with 19 points (7–11 from field) and 6 steals. Mark Sardar added 9 points and 8 rebounds. The Warriors are now 10–1 in league play, 29–2 overall, and have won 15 straight. Moses Smeke was tournament MVP. Mark Sardar and Phil Sherr were both tournament all stars. This Warriors are now also 5-time repeating champions of the Satran Tournament.
Netzach Knights MBA Basketball Champions
Netzach Hatorah coached by Simcha Reich and Yosef Mittman, defeated top seeded Darchei in a hard-fought championship thriller by a score of 55–41. Star point guard Donny Mittman led the way for the Knights with 19 points, pouring in deep threes all game long. Dominant big man Yechiel Benayon protected the rim and anchored his stout Knights defense all night long. Benayon secured rebound after rebound and came up with big points in the paint. Sharpshooter Shmulie Futersak came up huge for the Knights, nailing four massive threes in crucial spots in the game. After missing a few games due to injury, Moish Gestetner was incredibly efficient, drilling his signature mid-range jumpers all game long. Netanel Adar, an elite defender and playmaker was tremendous for the Knights, making winning plays throughout the game. Athletic and versatile big man Eli Tiegman played an outstanding game and came up huge on both ends of the court for the Knights. Essential contributions from Kirshenbaum, Davidson, Lapidus, and Cohen throughout this incredible run for the Knights played a critical role in the team’s success.
SportsCenter Overtime
NFL
On a wintry day in January, both the Jets and the Giants remarkably won on the same day. Unfortunately, neither of these games were playoff games as their somewhat disappointing seasons came to an end, but on a positive note.
NY Giants. In what can be described as the potentially final game in a Giants uniform, Saquon Barkley and his team vanquished the playoff-bound and bitter rivals Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife. The Giants were out to avenge many bitter losses by their division foes and by taking control of the game, closed out a 27–10 victory before a sparse crowd. The Giants led from the start behind journeyman QB Tyrod Taylor and their suffocating defense. By virtue of their victory, the Giants currently own the #6 pick in the next NFL draft.
NY Jets. The Jets finally did it! They got the monkey off their back by defeating their tormenter Bill Belichick in a snowy Gilette Stadium in Foxboro by a score of 17–3. The Jets were determined to unload the hex that Belichick has had over them ever since he resigned as head coach of NYJ. The conditions were brutal but somehow Breece Hall turned on his “jets” and rushed for 178 yards, including the game clinching TD. By winning this game, the Jets also matched last season’s record of 7–10. This season had started off with so much hope riding on the shoulders of Aaron Rodgers. Due to the shocking injury and all that played out throughout the entire season, the Jets are not far away. With a healthy and extremely motivated Rodgers at QB, adding another receiver to complement Garrett Wilson and a revamped offensive line, the Jets should prove to be a formidable threat to finally make the playoffs and make a run in the 2024 season.
NFL Wild Card Weekend
This past weekend proved why the NFL is America’s sport. Many teams had an opportunity to punch their ticket into the playoffs and, sure enough, the haves beat out the have nots. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who started out the season 8–3 failed to make the playoffs. On the other hand, the Green Bay Packers, who started off 2–5, made the playoffs. The schedule is now set for Wild Card Weekend where there should be more surprises to come. The second season of the NFL is like no other and over the next several weeks that will become self-evident. The AFC Baltimore Ravens and the NFC SF 49ers have each secured the top seed in their conferences, as well as a first-round bye. They await the results of the Wild Card Weekend games as they will face the lowest seed remaining in their respective conferences.
AFC
#5 Cleveland Browns @ #4 Houston Texans. The Browns come into this game as one of the biggest surprises of the NFL this year. They are currently red hot, riding the arm of “old man” Joe Flacco, as well as a stifling defense. The Texans clinched the AFC South by defeating the Colts and by virtue of the Jacksonville loss to the Titans. They are led by rookie stand out QB CJ Stroud and will look to keep their magical season alive.
#6 Miami Dolphins @ #3 KC Chiefs. The Dolphins have taken a huge fall. Once regarded as a potential top seed in the AFC, they have dropped their last 2 games to top AFC teams including the Bills on Sunday night and thus losing out on winning the AFC East. They dropped to a wild card and a #6 seed and will have to regroup and get healthy quickly if they are to make any sort of run. The defending champion Chiefs appear to have gotten back their mojo and are solid favorites to contend for the AFC crown once again.
#7 Pittsburgh Steelers @ #2 Buffalo Bills. The Steelers won their last game of the season and had to hope for a Sunday miracle to keep their playoff hopes alive. Sure enough things fell into place and they secured the final wildcard spot and will look to upset the apple cart in this second season. Just several weeks ago the Bills were left to trash and turmoil. However, behind the determination of star QB Josh Allen and solid playmaking in all three phases, they defeated the Dolphins to clinch the AFC East and appear to be hitting their stride just at the right time.
NFC
#7 Green Bay Packers @ #2 Dallas Cowboys. The Packers, behind QB Jordan Love, enter the playoffs with a tremendous amount of momentum. Having to win their final game of the season, they secured the final NFC playoff berth. They will travel to big D to face the Cowboys’ team that has turned things around and appear to finally be able to be a threat to come out of the AFC. They have an undefeated record at home, defeating teams by large margins, and will look to advance in the playoffs.
#6 LA Rams @ #3 Detroit Lions. Both teams came out of nowhere and surprised many pundits along the way. The Rams regained their magic from a few years ago behind QB Matthew Stafford and a fine cast of offensive weapons. The Lions finally have a home playoff game and will look to secure a victory behind QB Jared Goff and the Lions’ explosive offense. In an ironic twist this will be a homecoming for Stafford who played most of his career for the Lions and was then traded just a few years ago for Goff, who started his career with Rams.
#5 Philadelphia Eagles @ #4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is no doubt that the Philadelphia Eagles are limping into the playoffs. This team started off the season 5–0 and 9–1 and seemed to be cruising to the top seed in the NFC. However, they have closed out their season by losing 4 out of their last 5 games, including a humiliating defeat to the Giants in the season finale. The Bucs have had an up and down season. They clinched the NFC South by defeating Carolina in the last game of the season. They have been led by rejuvenated Baker Mayfield and will look to take advantage of the Eagles’ seemingly uninspired play of late.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
JSL Winter: Week 1 Recap
It was the opening day of the JSL 2024 winter season by FM Home Loans this past Sunday! Our basketball, football, and soccer divisions held player evaluations to create fair teams for the season. In hockey, it was the opening day of the regular season, and it was arguably the most exciting JSL hockey opening day in recent memory as a record 6 games went into shootouts. The boys also received drawstring bags courtesy of Future Care Consultants. The JSL 2024 season looks to be our best one yet. JSL thanks all their incredible sponsors and the head staff looks forward to an amazing season.
JSL Juniors
K/P hockey: John’s Automotive beat Maidenbaum 10–1 behind a hat trick from Jacob Kret and a sweet wrap-around goal from Moshe Obadia. Team SWS beat Future Care Consultants 5–4 with one second left. Zach Pearlman scored a hat trick, Yosef Feldman played insane defense with 2 assists and a goal, and Julius Berger had 15 saves as Pip Printing defeated Graber Interior Design 7–5.
K/P soccer: At player evaluations, some of the boys got their very first taste of the great sport of soccer and were taught the fundamentals and rules by our incredible coaching staff.
1st grade hockey: Nissi Berman scored a full-court goal for I Am Your Chef in their win. In the highly anticipated rematch of last season’s title game between Coach Prince and Coach Jaroslawicz, this game did not disappoint. 5 Towns Central jumped out to a 2–0 lead heading to the third period but PinIt Realty stormed back to tie it and send the game into OT where neither team was able to score, resulting in an exciting tie.
1st/2nd grade football: There was a lot of talent to be seen from our 1st and 2nd graders in our football division. Led by our incredible coaching staff, the boys were taught the sport’s fundamentals and rules as they look forward to an amazing season.
Hockey
2nd/3rd grade: Built by Nate and Marciano Pediatric Dentistry matched up for a very exciting contest. Pinny Weinstein ducked through the opposing team to score a beautiful goal to tie the game at 1 late in the first period. The game would eventually head to shootouts where Mickey Benderly made the incredible save to give Marciano the victory. Asher Newman scored his third goal of the game for SDF Architect to tie the game at 4 with under 2 minutes left forcing the game into a shootout. SDF Architect would go on to win in the shootout.
4th/5th grade: Elchonan Schwadel scored a hat trick and Daniel Treuhaft played incredibly in goal to give Town Appliance the 4–1 win over JNT. Marciano Pediatric Dentistry dominated from the start behind game MVP Levi Yeger’s 4 goals as they defeated Extreme Vent Cleaning 11–-5. Posh Home + Bath was able to keep the ball in the offensive zone for most of the game and Binyamin Flegman knocked in all 3 goals for a 3–0 victory for Posh Home + Bath against Miller Realty.
6th/8th grades: Weider Orthodontics dominated from the start with Chezkel Jeidel scoring 4 goals in the win vs. JNT. BayRock Insurance and 925 Sterling matched up Sunday in an intense opening day game. The game went back and forth and ultimately headed to shootouts where Aryeh Perl delivered the game winner for BayRock Insurance.
Basketball
There was a lot of talent to be showcased as the season looks to be very competitive and exciting. Opening day of the regular season begins next week.
Men’s Basketball
The JSL 2023 fall men’s basketball semifinals took place this past Sunday night and the games did not disappoint. Aaron Levi scored 3 from behind the arc for DJ Haim in the first half but they were unable to stop Simcha Klien and Aron Azose as Town Appliance went on to win 43–37 and will head to their second JSL championship game. They will match up against Posh Home + Bath who defeated Insight Optiks 49–46 in a very close game behind another legendary performance from Shelby Rosenberg. This will be Posh Home + Bath’s 3rd consecutive championship game.
Game of the Week: In 2nd/3rd grade hockey AdVenture Media and Arielle Rosenblatt Interiors matched up in the opening day game of the week. AdVenture Media fell behind 3–1 but Yumi Ehrlichman caught fire, scoring 3 goals including one with only 4 seconds remaining in the game to give AdVenture the incredible come from behind opening day win.
Game MVPs: Jacob Kret, Julius Berger, Eli Shapiro, Yaakov Polansky, Ari Davidowitz, Mickey Benderly, Yitzchak Rosenthal, Elchanan Schwidel, David Shwadel, Levi Yeger, Binyamin Flegmann, Shaya Ribowsky, Chezkel Jeidel, Aryeh Perl .
Judah Rhine, who has been involved in youth basketball for more than 40 years, is co-director of MVP Camps and administrator of the MJDSBL. He can be reached at sportscenter613@gmail.com. Read more of Judah Rhine’s articles at 5TJT.com.
