The TABC JV basketball team are champions for the second time in five years. The Storm took on the Ramaz Rams at Yeshiva University on Sunday afternoon in a quest to finish the season undefeated in Yeshiva League play. TABC went in as overwhelming favorites, having defeated Ramaz by 25 in their only regular-season meeting in Teaneck back in November. Still, everyone knows championship basketball is different and TABC did not underestimate Ramaz, a team that upset powerhouse Magen David to earn their spot in the championship game.
TABC sophomore Dovid Saks connected on a triple to give TABC the early lead and Yonah Mandel hit a nice one-handed floater to give TABC a 5-4 lead in the first quarter. But that was the last time they would be on top for the rest of the half. The Rams executed on every front against the TABC defense, scoring points at will in the paint. Ramaz led by seven at the halftime interval.
Out of the halftime locker room, it was much of the same on the court. TABC were missing free throws and the Rams increased their lead to 12 points. Sophomore Bentzion Keiser was able to bring TABC within single digits before the third quarter ended, but Ramaz was still firmly in control heading into the final frame. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Storm continued to chip away at the Ramaz lead through the sheer strength of sophomore Eyal Kinderleher’s post-play but the Rams again built their lead back up to seven.
Someone on TABC needed to bring the heroics as time wound down. That someone turned out to be Yonah Mandel. Mandel went on an 8-0 run himself to give TABC their first lead since early in the game. Ramaz would reclaim a slight lead but it would be for the last time. With under two minutes remaining, Kinderlehrer showed why he’s been the top JV player in the league all season. He was able to blow past his defender with a tough take to the basket. The Storm were able to get key defensive stops the rest of the way, hit their free throws to ice the game and the TABC fans in attendance stormed the court of the Max Stern Athletic Center as the buzzer sounded. TABC won their second JV basketball championship in school history by a final score of 46-40 with Mandel being named MVP. Congratulations to Coaches Oz and Hoenig on an amazing season!
By Jewish Link Sports Desk
