Only five games into the season, the Ma’ayanot Varsity basketball team is thriving. With a current record of 3 wins and 2 loses, the Maayanot Rapids are doing better than they have in the last few years. Last Thursday night, the Rapids played a home game against S.A.R. and beat the S.A.R. Sting for the first time in three years. This win was particularly meaningful because the Ma’ayanot JV basketball team, on which many current varsity players participated last year, finished the 2013-14 season with a loss to S.A.R in the championship game. The final score was 39-26. After last season’s disappointing loss to the Sting, the Rapids were excited to redeem themselves and finally defeat S.A.R.
Like the 2013-14 championship game, last week’s game remained scoreless for the first few minutes after tip off. The Rapids scored the first basket about four minutes into the game, with a rebounded layup. The Sting quickly bounced back and scored six points before the Rapids scored again. S.A.R maintained the lead for the remainder of the 1st quarter, but that was the last time they led the game. Going into the second quarter, the Rapids were down by just one point. They quickly scored a layup to take the lead and held onto it for the remainder of the half, playing outstanding offense and defense.
The second half of the game started off incredibly for the Rapids. Already in the lead, they continued to make their shots and layups while playing great defense. Ma’ayanot scored a total of 23 points in the 3rd quarter while keeping S.A.R.’s points to a minimum. In the final 30 seconds of the quarter alone, the Rapids scored six points through steals and fast breaks.
By the 4th quarter, the Rapids were up by 10 points and continued to play hard. Throughout the remainder of the game, both teams continued to score, but the Rapids maintained a steady lead. After an intensive game, the Ma’ayanot Rapids beat S.A.R. with a final score of 52-37.
The Rapids were elated over the win, glad to defeat S.A.R. after the disappointing end to last season.
By Shana Adler
