(Frisch) In the ninth annual Steve Glouberman tournament hosted by Shalhevet High School in Los Angeles, California, teams from around the country came to compete. Eight girls teams participated including Frisch, North Shore Hebrew Academy, Flatbush, SAR, Ramaz, RASG of Miami, YULA and Shalhevet.
The Shalhevet Firehawks entered the tournament as heavy favorites having just won the Division IV State Championship in California this past season. In last year’s tournament the Frisch girls made it to the Glouberman championship to ultimately lose to Shalhevet in the finals. The Cougars were determined to come back stronger this year and win the title.
In a repeat of last year’s performance, Frisch emerged victorious for the first two days of the tournament remaining undefeated with close games against RAGS and YULA. Frisch advanced to the quarter finals against Flatbush with a 42-16 win and then faced Ramaz in the semi-finals with 74-40 blowout securing a spot in the championship.
All teams enjoyed a beautiful shabbaton together before the championship game that took place Motzei Shabbat 9:30 p.m. Pacific time. With a gym full of Shalhevet fans, the Frisch girls remained focused and played tight defense keeping things close with a tied score of 10-10 at the end of the first quarter. The Cougars took the lead early in the second quarter and alternated leads for the remainder of the half. Shalhevet ended the half ahead 26-23.
Throughout the second half of the game Frisch fought hard. Senior Galil Neuer (five points, two rebounds, four steals, two assists) kept the pressure up on defense. Senior Samantha Pruzansky also helped lead her team driving hard to the basket and making her way to the foul line eight separate times during the game. Pruzansky contributed 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, five steals and six blocks. Starting point guard Sophomore Zoey Levy utilized her ball handling skills and play making abilities contributing 12 points, four assists and one steal in the finals.
Other crucial team contributions included sophomore Izzy Nadritch (12 points, two rebounds, one steal, one assist), and sophomore Evelyn Fried (two points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block).
Shalhevet ultimately took control of the game in the second half and emerged victorious with a 56-50 win. Coach Tali Zelenetz stated, “It was a pleasure to coach this team at the tournament- their grit, determination and never give up attitude allowed them to match the top Jewish team in the country basket for basket and almost pull out the victory.”
During the post-game award ceremony Zoey Levy earned the Glouberman Award for middot and sportsmanship and Samantha Pruzansky received the All Tournament Team Award. The Frisch girls are looking forward to continuing their regular season and are hopeful about winning their league championship this year.
