On February 12th the 6th grade RYNJ Jaguars started their season in Deal, NJ. On the eve of the year’s biggest snowstorm, the Jaguars suffered a 49-45 defeat. Even so, led by Shmulie Coates (22pts), the Jaguars showed sparks of greatness battling back from a double digit deficit,

With a sour taste in our mouths, the Jaguars returned home determined to get on track. In game number two we hosted a terrific team from BPY, but RYNJ was up to the task. Led by the sharp shooting of co-captains Yonatan Kaye (16 pts) and Ikey Gutlove (18 pts), and phenomenal team defense, RYNJ topped BPY by 4.

The night before our third game, co-captain and swing-man Yonatan Kaye suffered an injury that made him unavailable for the remainder of the regular season. In the pregame talk, our coaches told us that it was our job to step up and fill the void created by Yonatan’s injury. Unfortunately for the very talented visiting team from RPRY, we listened and stepped it up. The defense, spearheaded by Yonah Hook, Yisroel Rothwacs, and Orel Bolour, shut down RPRYs talented backcourt. A pair of clutch free throws down the stretch sealed the game for the Jaguars.

Last week we were visited by a team from Westchester Day School; this game was truly a valiant team victory. Each and every member of the available 11-man roster contributed on both ends of the court.

The 3-1 Jaguars have big shoes to fill following in the wake of last year’s team and a tough road ahead of them with many talented teams to play in the weeks ahead.

By Ikey Gutlove