This past Sunday night, Columbia Cardiology defeated Chosen Healthcare in the 6/7/8th Grade Girls Division of the Mitch Gross Basketball League (MGBL) Finals to become the Division Champions. Led by Coaches Phil Green and Chanan Vogel, with a focus on having fun and teamwork, Columbia Cardiology went on to a 9-1 regular season record and earned the top seed in the playoffs. After a first round bye, Columbia Cardiology overcame a slow start to defeat Bellcar Electric. However, in the week leading up to the semifinal game, Columbia Cardiology learned that Noa Berkowitz, their star center, would be unable to play in the semifinal game due to an injured wrist. Shorthanded, Columbia jumped out to an early lead and held off a late game push by Sunspire Health to advance to the finals. In the championship game Columbia Cardiology was matched up against Chosen Healthcare. Led by the inspirational return of Berkowitz and the on court leadership of Gabrielle Green, Columbia Cardiology was able to edge out a victory in a 25-24 nail biter.
The game was close throughout with each period ending in either a tie or two-point difference until the final buzzer. Early on, Chosen was led by Kayla Forman (11 points) and Allison Orlinsky (3 points) while Columbia Cardiology was led by Berkowitz (5 points). As the teams warmed up, however, other players got on the score sheet. Gabriella Forman (6 points) and Avigayil Halpert (4 points) contributed for Chosen while Rebecca Adler (4 points) and Batsheva Ohayon (2 points) contributed for Columbia. Also noteworthy was the play of Ariella Vogel who contributed 14 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 6 steals. The defensive intensity of Molly Antosofski, Orah Hochberg, Ahuva Abraham, Avigail Zupnik, and Rachel Zakai was a tremendous contributor to Columbia Cardiology’s success. Green, who scored in each period, had a game-high 14 points; including a decisive foul shot, earning her the game MVP as she willed her team to victory.
Following the game, the effort of both teams was recognized with a trophy presentation.
