Ayelet Motechin, a sixth grader who plays for Paramus CMEK, has displayed incredible sportsmanship since third grade when she entered BTBL. She has always been the team’s emotional leader. She led by example and played through injuries and often encouraged all teammates to try their best. She started chants during her rare breaks. When she knew another home team had a game before her own team, she arrived early and rooted for them. Her outstanding sportsmanship is exemplified in the way she treats opponents. As one of the tallest and strongest players in her flight, she stands out by always helping up any player who hits the floor and asks if they are ok, oftentimes offering an apology even when a foul is not called. Throughout the games and after she’ll compliment teammates and tell them “you’re so good,” or “you played great.” During her last game she said “good try” to a player on the other team after a missed foul shot.

By Bergen Travel Basketball League (BTBL)