Although he is only a second grader at Yeshivat Noam, 8-year-old Teaneck native Rafi Suss is a multi-sport star. Rafi is an invaluable member of the second grade CMEK travel basketball team as the team’s point guard, floor leader and high scorer. In a recent victory he scored 19 of the teams 28 points. On defense he plays center, is a stopper in the middle, and averages numerous blocks, rebounds and steals per game.

Rafi is also a standout player on his little league team. At the plate he has crushed many home runs, at least four of them being grand slams. When Rafi is on the mound he usually retires the side in under 12 pitches. In the field he has made several highlight plays at shortstop. Rafi is one of the main reasons that the Teaneck Baseball Organization’s St. Anastasias Church team finished the regular season in first place, only losing one game.

Rafi’s father, Dr. Jason Suss, told the JLBC that “even with all of his athletic ability Rafi always plays with a contagious smile.” This outlook and his inborn inter-personal skills have made Rafi into the ultimate team leader and a coach’s dream. Rafi is always sure to include his teammates and make each of them feel as though they are the most important player on that team.