The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize Yeshiva Heichal Hatorah’s Daniel Aaron as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Aaron is one of Heichal Hatorah’s Junior Varsity Basketball team captains and is coming off a phenomenal season. The Heichal Hatorah team is in its second year of existence and plays in the Young Israel League against schools that are much larger. This year they fielded a varsity of only 11th graders and a junior varsity.
The junior varsity finished in third place with a respectable record of 5-4. Their first-round game was against the second-seeded Red Shul, which had beaten Heichal three times during the season. Daniel scored all 18 of the Heichal points in the first quarter as Heichal took an 18-7 lead. The Red Shul made a valiant comeback and went up by one point with one minute to go but Heichal came back to go ahead by three with seven seconds left in the game thanks to the clutch shooting of Daniel who ended up scoring 28 including seven threes. Heichal won the game 56-54, winning their first-ever playoff game and ticket to the Young Israel League championship game.
A week later, Heichal played for the Young Israel JV Championship against the first place May Shul team. The two teams had split during the regular season. Daniel Aaron again led the Heichal with 31 points but Heichal came up short 63-44. Daniel led the team averaging a whopping 21.7 points per game. Coach Ira Jaskoll told the JLNJ, “The entire Heichal Team should be commended on a wonderful and successful season.”
Daniel, congratulations on an amazing, history-making season. I am sure you have many positive influences, but if had to narrow it down, who would you say is your role model?
My father, he taught me self-discipline when all things turn against you on the court and off the court. He also taught me determination and the strong will to succeed to your highest potential.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Kawhi Leonard, he is the best two-way player in the NBA and arguably in all of sports. He plays to win, not for stats, not for the fame, just to win. He also is a very quiet, respecting player who doesn’t put any extra spotlight on himself when he can.
What is your pregame routine?
I give a prep talk to the team, and get them pumped up. Hit 10 threes from all five spots and hit 20 free throws. Then right before the game go over to every player on the opposing team and let them know I’m here to win.
What is your funniest sports-related memory?
When we had our volleyball championship game in the pouring rain and everyone was covered up in mud and no one was able to stand for longer than 30 seconds!
What is your favorite sports-related memory?
In Camp Heller, I played quarterback and we went 16-1 in the regular season. We obviously had the first seed and in the first game, we were down 4 points with 6 seconds left and I threw a post to my best receiver and he came down with it to end the game. Semis were the exact same scenario, down 6 points actually to a really good team and we won on cross from half field with no time left on the clock. Then in the championship there were probably over 300 people watching and the game went into overtime with the score 49-49! Score, score. Miss, miss. Score, score. Score, finally in the 4th overtime we lost on a dropped pass.
What do you like to do when not playing sports?
I listen to music or watch sports
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
It’s an opportunity to showcase your talent, help others become better players individually and as a teammate. Lastly the joy of winning championships and even just to play with or without the win is still amazing. As well as the satisfaction of knowing that I’m a talented player and letting my actions do the talking.
The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for future Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
