Coming off an exciting semi-final round, the MGBL High School championship game promised to be intense, and it did not disappoint. The game got off to a sloppy start with both teams coming out a little rusty after a week-long layoff. Halfway through the first half, Sinai Schools’ co-MVP’s, Shai Kaminetzky (24 points) and Jacob Shapiro (18 points), turned it on.  Their stifling 3-2 zone forced countless turnovers and for a 10 minute stretch at the end of the half, they owned every rebound.

But the Advanced Medical Imaging EHMC squad showed that it too deserved the spot in the championship game. With a suffocating full court press, along with James Weiss’s game-high 37 points, it kept the game close.

Simmy Taubenfeld scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half to help Sinai Schools maintain its lead, but with 20 seconds left Sinai Schools’ lead was cut to one at 66-65. The Advanced Medical Imaging EHMC squad then was forced to foul. Shai Kaminetzky hit two huge free-throws to put Sinai up by three and after a missed three that would have tied the game Sinai Schools added two more free throws for a five point lead. A late three cut the lead to two, but Sinai Schools was then able run out the clock and preserve the win.

Congrats to Sinai Schools and Coaches Dan Chesner and Sid Taubenfeld on winning the championship and to the Advanced Medical Imaging EHMC (Coach Lance Laifer) for being a worthy opponent. We have already begun preparations for season three, which we anticipate starting a little earlier next year. Stay tuned for details. To all the graduates, best of luck next year and to all we wish you an enjoyable and restful summer.