(Frisch sports) Capping off a spectacular undefeated regular season, the Frisch girls’ varsity team headed to the MYHSAL championship at TABC on Sunday evening. Following their heartbreaking loss in last season’s finals to SKA, the Frisch Cougars sought redemption in this year’s championship and looked to solidify their reputation as one of the best girls varsity basketball teams in yeshiva league history. The SKA Sonics started off the game with an early 7-2 lead in the first quarter. However, the Cougars did not despair and methodically began mounting a ferocious comeback. Once they took the lead they never looked back.
Three minutes into the second quarter starting point guard Sophomore Zoey Levy, came out of the game due to an injury. However, the Cougars remained relentless on defense and keeping up their momentum in the game. Frisch went on an 11-point run to increase their lead and ended the first half up 28-17.
At the start of the second half junior Atara Forman showed off her spectacular court vision and contributed six assists, four rebounds, one block and one point. Critical baskets by sophomore Izzy Nadritch helped further Frisch’s lead. In addition to her strong defense, Nadritch was a huge offensive threat with 16 points, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Sophomore Evelyn Fried (five points, three rebounds, three assists) stated, “As a team, we put in so much effort this season and I’m so lucky and proud to have been able to play up on varsity with such an incredible team and coaches.”
SKA’s junior Daphna Steinmetz kept Frisch on their toes throughout the game. Contributing 23 points, Steinmetz sank contested threes, powerfully drove to the basket, and proved reliable with her free throws. Ultimately the Cougars proved victorious to end the game with a 57-43 lead.
Head Coach Tali Zelenetz stated, “I am so proud of this team and all that they have accomplished. They went into the season with one goal in mind and were able to reach it relying on teamwork, dedication and a love for their sport.”
MVP was awarded to both senior Samantha Pruzansky (26 points, 11 rebounds, one block, one steal, one assist) and senior Galil Neuer (eight points, 12 rebounds, two steals, two assists, one block) who both helped lead and carry their team during the championship game as well as throughout the regular season. The underclassmen who will be returning next year look forward to defending their title and look forward to keeping their winning streak going next week as they travel to Maryland for the Berman Hebrew Academy Tournament.
