The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize the co-captains of the 12-0 RYNJ Jaguars girls basketball team as this week’s Sportstars of the Week. Adina Pearlman and Tehila Hyman are eighth graders at the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey and two of the key cogs behind the 2017 Lady Jaguars MJDSBAL championship team. RYNJ Jaguars coach Shaina Stiefel told The Jewish Link of New Jersey, “We are very fortunate to have a terrific team, led by Adina and Tehilla. Adina really controls the game and sees the court. Her speed is tough to beat; when she’s on a fast break no one can stand in her way. Adina not only hypes up our team but no matter who it is, if anyone falls on the court she is there to help them up; she exemplifies sportsmanship. She is a great leader; she practices hard and performs harder in games. She is a team player and makes good decisions on and off the court. Tehilla, always a team player, has shifted roles this year. Blossoming as shooting guard, she has learned to take her shot and is very aggressive, fights for those rebounds and drives when has the lane. Her coaches are very proud of where she has come and grows every game.”

Adina and Tehilla, congratulations on back to back perfect seasons,. Who would you say are your role models and why?

Adina: My parents, because they are always there for me and encourage me to be the best both on and off the court.

Tehila: My older sister Chani. She teaches me right from wrong, and is always there to support me with my decisions. She shows me how to strike a balance, and has not only helped me on the court as my basketball coach, but also off the court.

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Adina: Shaq, because he is funny and I got to meet him last year.

Tehila: Lebron James. He is an amazing player, and I like how he is always trying his hardest to be the best player he can be. I chose my jersey number as #23 because it’s his number (and my sister’s), and I hope to have the same work ethic he does.

What is your pregame routine?

Adina: I like to listen to music with my friends and eat Reese’s peanut butter cups.

Tehila: Listening to music to pump me up for the game.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Adina: Sitting in the front row at a Mets game when I was seven and getting a ball.

Tehila: My father teaching me how to dribble in our backyard.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Adina: Winning five championships in the past year. My school team (RYNJ seventh and eighth grade team) went undefeated and won the championship in back to back seasons. My MGBL, Bergen Broncos and TBO teams also won championships.

Tehila: Winning the basketball championship at RYNJ two years in a row.

What do you like to do when not playing basketball?

Adina: Hang out with my family and friends.

Tehila: Hang out with my friends.

What is the best thing about being a sports star?

Adina: I am able to show my appreciation to my parents and coaches who always support me to be the best I can.

Tehila: Being recognized for all the hard work that I put into my game.

The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for upcoming Gotham Burger Sportstars of the Week to [email protected].