This past Sunday, the Noam Knights seventh and eighth grade girls basketball team, led by coach Leora Sulimanoff (Coach S) defeated the Ramaz Rams 41-32 to claim the championship title!
The Knights, known for their achdut and determination on and off the court, entered the championship game with an undefeated record. They faced the Ramaz Rams, who also entered the game undefeated. The Knights displayed their best throughout the game, showcasing impressive teamwork, hustle and kindness. The final score of 41-32 reflects the Knights’ overall effort and dedication into this season.
The gym was filled with dedicated fans as the Knights took an early lead of 6-0 in the first quarter with amazing drives by Lielle Skoczylas and outside shooting by Arielle Fleischman. But Ramaz answered back with quick baskets by Ava Cohen who dominated the first quarter.
A strong second quarter by Skoczylas on both sides of the court including a blocked shot which drew cheers from the crowd and great defense which led to a coast to coast layup by Libby Fischer, was not enough for the Knights at the end of the second quarter where they found themselves down by two. Ramaz took a six-point lead with unbelievable drives and 3-pointers by Cohen. Then came the turning point of the game. The Knights press was unbeatable by Ramaz and the Knights went on a 18-2 run. Despite great play by Cohen, Natalie Safdieh, Nadiah Olshin, Rae Meyer and Nina Attie, the Noam defense proved too strong for the Rams. The Knights’ Hannah Ashendorf pulled down some clutch rebounds as they controlled the boards. Meira Walzman was very tough on defense and would not allow the Rams to penetrate the middle, and Emme Wallach demonstrated not only skilled ball handling, but textbook defense as she took Cohen on throughout the game. The Knights displayed control and discipline and they closed out the game with key plays by Leora Halpert, Davida Lefkowitz and Eliana Luber.
This championship win holds even greater importance for the current eighth graders. They’ve secured championships in both sixth and seventh grade and achieved a remarkable three-peat victory! The seamless integration of the talented seventh graders into the team strengthened their performance, proving that dedication, teamwork, and practice are of the utmost importance to the team.
This year’s amazing Noam Knights team consists of: Coach Leora Sulimanoff (Coach S.), Hannah Ashendorf, Libby Fischer, Arielle Fleischman, Lielle Skoczylas, Emme Wallach, Meira Walzman Hodaya Ciner, Nessya Edell Orly Hoffer Kira Furer, Leora Halpert, Davida Lefkowitz, Eliana Luber, Nili Rothenberg and Ayelet Strulowitz. Team managers: Hailey Jesin and Meredith Mainzer.
