(TABC) In the 2017-18 Yeshiva League first round matchup in Teaneck, the TABC Storm hosted the Waterbury Wolfpack. The Storm had a fantastic regular season run, dubbing them to be the favorites against the Wolfpack, yet the Wolfpack proved the doubters wrong and upset the Storm on their homecourt to advance. Ever since that playoff upset, the Storm have been unstoppable in the first round and this past Monday night proved to be much of the same.
The Storm played host to the visiting 2022 Yeshiva League champion Ramaz Rams in a battle that proved to be one for the ages. In the opening minutes of the game the Rams jumped out to an early advantage off a scoring repertoire from junior guard Eden Bracha. As the first half continued, the Rams continued to build on their lead due to the tremendous post play from one of the premier underclassmen talents in the Yeshiva League, Milan Kushner. At the half the scoreboard showed a score of 29-23, with the Rams holding a six point advantage, but the Storm were not ready to be disappointed on their homecourt.
The second half featured an entirely revamped Storm team, with not only the determination to win, but to do so in an exciting and offensive based fashion. Senior Natanel Benloulou understood the assignment enroute to his 22-point performance, including countless buckets in crunch time. Storm center Tzvi Schrieber proved to be the x-factor through his lockdown defense and offensive paint presence resulting in 16 points of his own. On the opposing end, Kushner had a game high 23 points and Bracha contributed 14 of his own, but unfortunately it was not enough as the Storm took a six point victory with a final score of 67-61.
For the Rams, they definitely should keep their heads held high, with almost an entirely new team after last year’s championship victory that was heavily populated by underclassmen, this season was one of growth and chemistry building, look out for the Rams to be an issue for opponents next season. The Storm will advance to face the Magen David Warriors in Brooklyn. The last time these two teams matched up in the playoffs was in the shortened 2020 season where the Storm upset the Warriors in Brooklyn. Will they extend their season and be victorious again?
Stay tuned for playoff updates and all the other excitement throughout the Yeshiva League as we reach the final stretch of the season.
Make sure to check this section weekly for all updates and the latest news from around the yeshiva league. Also make sure to check out Yeshiva League Pass on Instagram and their website for nightly updates on varsity basketball and hockey.
Ikey Gutlove is the Jewish Link sports intern. Please contact [email protected] if you have interest in contributing to this column by providing stories and updates from any high school athletic teams.
