The Frisch Cougars opened the season of play with a roar as they took down the Ramaz Rams on Monday night in Manhattan, the team that last year gave Scott “The Shot” Levine his nickname—when Levine famously sunk a buzzer beater three-pointer that gave Frisch the single point victory last season. Ramaz played hard and dominated the first half of the game under the guidance of Yogev Berdugo, their new coach. Berdugo is the founder of Step It Up Basketball Camp, and is considered a star in coaching and skill development in the United States.
Ramaz led at the end of the first quarter, 20-11, with Andrew Langer scoring 2; Noah Engelmayer, 4; Noah Schechter hitting a three-pointer and Isaac Weinstock; 2. Frisch fought back and narrowed that lead as the buzzer concluded the first half, with Sam Fishman scoring 4; Jordan Kleinhaus, 2; Yisroel Solomon making two free-throws; Schechter, 2; Isaac Leifer, 2; and Weinstock with 2. The score was 27-25 in Ramaz’ favor.
By the end of the third quarter Ramaz was losing the lead. Engelmayer scored 2; Langer landed a free throw and two lay-ups; Weinstock, 4; Scott Levine, a 3-pointer; Fishman offered up 2; Solomon, 4; and Kleinhaus another 2. All for the Cougar’s lead 47-42.
In the final quarter, the heat was on. Ramaz was working hard and fast to get the lead back, but Frisch maintained its drive and played to win. Engelmayer opened up with the first layup a and went on to score two more and then made a free-throw. Levine made two free-throws and then hit a three-pointer. Fishman added another basket and team captain Schechter hit four free-throws for a final of 64-50.
Prior to this opener, Frisch played in the Magen David pre-season basketball tournament. Sixteen schools were entered. Frisch handily beat Kushner in the opening round. Sadly, they were stymied by their past season rivals, DRS, in the quarterfinals. Frisch’s able coaches Joe Schwartz and Eli Davidoff will have to strategize for when they are matched next month.
The Cougars have some serious talent and looked as if they were off to a great start until Wednesday’s game against the Heschel Heat. Frisch missed some good shots, failed at rebounds, but two free throws by Langer put them into fifth period overtime. After more play, the Cougars got burned by the Heat 58-50. It was a disappointing end to what started as a great week.
The Cougars will face the strong shooters of the JEC Thunder and then head to Los Angeles for Steve Glouberman Basketball Tournament where Frisch opens Round One against YULA.
By Juda Engelmayer
