On the biggest stage, Elana Goldstein, a Kushner alumnus, played arguably the greatest game of her life as she poured in a game high 22 points to lead the Houston Comets over the Sacramento Monarchs 48-45 in the season 10 CMEK championship game. Goldstein was dominant from the start as she drilled two 3-pointers early, which got her going. She also finished with five rebounds and two assists. Rachel Stahler, the regular season and playoff MVP was the catalyst to the title run. She controlled the tempo of the game and made all her teammates better all season long. The do-everything point guard, who travels from Far Rockaway, scored six points, including the clinching free throw late. Her stat line included five rebounds, five assists, five steals and three blocks. Her sidekick, Raquel Anidjar, also from Far Rockaway, scored 12 points all on nifty layups around the rim. Team captain Yael Stone, a former teammate at SKA, played great defense on the Monarch’s start center, Nicole Sisco, holding her to 15 points, and contributing six points. This box and one defense was a major contributing factor to Houston’s win. Sarah Savetsky, a RYNJ parent, was solid on both ends of the floor and converted a big shot early in the game. Aviva Baitner, a teacher at Yavneh, was instrumental down the stretch handling the ball and the pressure as Sacramento was storming back. Dani Pfeffer, a parent at Yeshivat He’atid was solid defensively and a competitor on the glass. Together, their skills and competitive drive deemed to be unstoppable and led them to becoming the season 10 champions.
In defeat, Aliza Hiller, a physical education teacher at Yavneh, and former starting player at Ma’ayanot, was brilliant all-game long as she finished with 10 points and four rebounds. She helped trim a double-digit lead down to two points in the waning moments.
The win marked the first title for Aviva Baitner, Elana Goldstein and Dani Pfeffer. The “core three” have been steady competitors starting with season one of the CMEK women’s league and after 10 seasons they say “the win was worth the wait.” Elana Goldstein is arguably the most passionate women’s league basketball player. That passion is contagious for every member of their team. She is a fierce competitor and really brought her A game during crunch time. Aviva Baitner, a shooting guard was forced to shift her focus as many of the teams opted to play man. She stepped up her defensive game and forced the ball into numerous turnovers throughout the season. She played hard and her contributions on both ends of the court helped lead this team to victory. Dani Pfeffer is even keeled and enters each game with a positive attitude. She keeps the team calm and makes the big plays when they need it the most. She’s a great teammate to have on your side. Not many people can drive through the center like Yael Stone. This team captain knew what it takes to win a championship. Houston knew that in order to stand a chance, Yael would be the one to defend their opponents best player man on man. She did not disappoint! Sarah Savetsky, a newcomer to the league plays hard and grabs big rebounds when the team needs it the most. Rachel Stahler, is a unique player. Her competitive nature is evident and her basketball skills are second to none. She clearly loves the game as she encouraged her teammates regularly to tune in to the March Madness games and learn from their ball movement. Raquel Anidjar is truly an all around player. She fosters many turnovers with her fast defense and finishes every fast break with a perfect layup. This team’s motto was “defense wins games” and that was never more evident as it was this past Monday night. Congratulations Houston on a well deserved win!
The women’s spring league tips-off Monday, April 9. For more information regarding any and all CMEK programs, please contact Chad Mekles at [email protected]
By JLNJ Sports Desk
