The Frisch JV Cougars traveled to Boca Raton, Florida, on Sunday February 2 for the annual KYHS JV Invitational Tournament, aiming to cap off their successful regular season with a statement performance. After securing the No. 2 seed in their conference and earning a first-round bye in the Yeshiva League Playoffs, the team looked to use this trip as both a reset and an opportunity to strengthen their bond beyond the court.

Following a couple of tough losses to close out the regular season, Frisch saw this tournament as the perfect chance to regroup. The team arrived early Sunday afternoon, making a stop at Lenny’s Pizza before heading to Katz for the welcome ceremony and their first matchup against Shalhevet. Both teams appeared sluggish in the first half, likely feeling the effects of travel, with Shalhevet edging out to an 18-17 halftime lead. However, that was the last time they would hold an advantage, as Frisch erupted in the third quarter with a dominant 23-8 run. The Cougars secured a 50-39 victory, led by EJ Heumann’s 11-point performance, which provided a crucial spark of energy. After celebrating with an incredible BBQ from Smashhouse Burgers, the team returned to the hotel, where the coaches hosted a Jeopardy-style game, allowing the players to unwind before their highly anticipated rivalry game against TABC the following morning.

Day 2: The Battle of Bergen

The next morning, Frisch faced off against TABC in what was expected to be a fierce contest. Having exchanged 25-point victories in their prior matchups, both teams were eager to claim bragging rights. Frisch controlled the first half, entering the break with an eight-point lead, but TABC clawed back and took a 36-35 lead into the fourth quarter, fueled by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Rafi Karasick. Momentum appeared to be on TABC’s side, but Frisch responded in the clutch. With the score at 44-43 in favor of TABC, Netanel Bromberg ripped a rebound away from Ezra Adams, converted a layup, and drew the foul to put Frisch ahead. The Cougars ultimately triumphed 48-45, with Joseph Munoz delivering a monster game of 25 points and 14 rebounds.

This hard-fought victory eased the pressure for Frisch heading into their final round-robin game against North Shore, knowing they had already secured a semifinal spot. The matchup allowed every player to contribute, resulting in a gritty 44-42 win, highlighted by Ethan Sussman’s 11 points—an early sign of his impact to come.

That evening, the team enjoyed dinner at Traditions South and wrapped up the night with a fun round of mini-golf at Popstroke before heading back to prepare for their semifinal clash against tournament hosts KYHS. The game carried extra significance, as Frisch had been eliminated by KYHS in last year’s semifinal in a lopsided defeat. Determined not to repeat history, the coaches decided to shake things up with an early morning pool session to energize the players before tip-off.

Semifinal: Frisch vs. KYHS

The Cougars came out firing, jumping to a commanding 15-2 lead by the end of the first quarter, effectively quieting the home crowd. Though KYHS made several attempts to chip away at the deficit, Frisch remained composed and maintained control, ultimately securing a 45-34 win. Judah Suss’s leadership and passion were instrumental in the victory, propelling Frisch to the championship game for a rematch against the defending champions, SAR.

Championship: A Battle for the Title

The stakes couldn’t have been higher, with SAR aiming for their second consecutive title and Frisch seeking their first KYHS Invitational championship in program history. The game began in SAR’s favor, as they stormed out to an 11-0 lead within minutes. However, Frisch demonstrated remarkable resilience, steadily chipping away at the deficit to tie the game 13-13 by halftime.

The second half was a tense back-and-forth affair, with neither team pulling ahead by more than three points. The defining moment came with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter. With the game tied, Ethan Sussman drained a clutch three-pointer to put Frisch up 39-36, but SAR’s Nathan Wild immediately responded with a three of his own to even the score. Then, Joseph Munoz capped off his career night by sinking a go-ahead basket and drawing a foul, giving Frisch a 42-39 lead they would never relinquish. Clutch free throws by Jacob Gervis, Ethan Sussman, and Judah Suss sealed the victory, as Frisch triumphed 50-44 to claim their first-ever KYHS Invitational championship.

The 2025 KYHS JV Invitational Tournament Champions, The Frisch Cougars!

Munoz was named MVP after delivering a dominant 24-point, 12-rebound performance, while Gervis contributed seven rebounds, eight assists, and zero turnovers. The entire team played a crucial role in the win, with bench players providing vital energy and support throughout the tournament. Special recognition goes to the leadership of Jacob Gervis and Judah Suss, whose guidance proved invaluable.

With this historic win now behind them, the Cougars turn their focus to the Yeshiva League Playoffs, where they stand just three wins away from a championship. Riding this momentum, Frisch is poised to make a deep run and add yet another chapter to their already memorable season.