The Frisch Cougars brought home the MYHSAL championship for the JV girls basketball team on Sunday March 13. The game, which was played at TABC, had the Cougars face their rivals the Ma’ayanot Rapids. Both teams entered the post season with near perfect records, with each team having their single loss against each other.
Frisch was privileged to be coached by head coach Jade Walker and assistant coach Alnisa Hernaiz. Under the leadership of these new coaches, the Frisch Cougars worked tirelessly by adding extra practices, sprints and intense drills. This allowed them to enter the championship with emboldened confidence. When asked how she felt about being in the championship game, Coach Jade stated, “I felt like my team was prepared, confident and hungry to get out there and play the game we have been waiting for all season. I was happy these young ladies were able to see their hard work pay off!”
“Our coaches felt it was really important to hype us up both during practices and the games,” said sophomore Kayla Yahalom. “Throughout the season we all got closer off the court, which allowed us to mesh well on the court.”
From the outset of the game, Frisch maintained a solid lead with a 14-0 run in the first quarter. Stellar performances were shown by the teamwork of captain Samantha Pruzansky and captain Jackie Carter. Carter scored a total of 15 points/four assists/four steals. Sophomore Galil Neuer added to the hustle, contributing a crucial 12 points/four rebounds/two steals/four assists.
While Ma’ayanot’s lead scorer Ayelet Ostrin continued to keep Ma’ayanot in the game with outstanding outside shooting and fast breaks, it was not enough to keep up with the Cougars. Ayelet, with the help of strong defense from Ma’ayanot’s Shifra Prager and Sigal
Ostrin, were able to cut Frisch’s lead to nine points (25-36) at the beginning of the third quarter. Frisch was able to maintain their lead and ended the third quarter with a comfortable 19-point gap (30-49). This was thanks to strong performances by sophomore Kayla Nussbaum who scored two points/eight rebounds/two blocks/one assist, and freshman Atara Forman who scored five points/seven assists/six rebounds.
Frisch came out triumphant with a final score of 67-41. MVP trophy was awarded to Pruzansky who helped lead the team throughout the season and final game. Pruzansky accomplished a remarkable double/double this game with outstanding stats including: 23 points, 18 rebounds, seven blocks, four steals and two assists.
Other notable Frisch performances came from 100% of the Frisch team which includes: Aliza Baron (two points, one rebound, one steal), Sophie Cohen (one rebound), Eliana Fisher (one steal), Ilana Gilad (two rebounds), Kira Hoffer (two points), Talia Lowe: (three points, five rebounds), Eliana Menashe (three points, two rebounds), Lily Wurzburger (two points, five assists, one steal, two rebounds)and captain Yahalom (one rebound, one steal).
