Balanced Body defeated Coolkippahs 53-44 to win the title. The game was fast-paced from the start with the teams running the court to the last whistle. Balanced Body jumped to an early lead after the first period 10-4 behind four points from Tzvi Dock (11 points for game) and two each from Zachary Lowy, Yonah Luber (eight points for game) and Avishai Jutkowitz. David Gopin (four points for game) and Rafi Suss had two each for Coolkippahs. In the second period, Suss added six more points, Stephan Nayowitz and Ari Gilad (five points for game) four each and Simon Kalish added two for Coolkippahs. But Balanced Body did not wilt and led by Gilad Jutkowitz’s six points (12 points for game), four each from Avishai Jutkowitz and Dock and three more from Luber they took a 27-20 lead into halftime. In the third period, despite the efforts of Kalish, Suss, Gopin and Gilad, Balanced Body extended their lead to 11 behind nine more points from championship game MVP Avishai Jutkowitz (game high 19 points) and two more from Luber. In the final period Suss (team high 18 points) and Kalish (13 points for game) gave it their all to bring Coolkippahs within four points but Balanced Body outlasted Coolkippahs behind ten more points from the Jutkowitz brothers, three from Dock and one each from Luber and Akiva Kessler to win the championship.

Congregation Ahavath Torah edged The Jedi Knights for the MGBL second grade title 22-21. Trailing by nine mid third quarter 21-12, Congregation Ahavath Torah went on a 10-0 run along with stellar defense to finish the game and earn the victory. The Jedi Knights took a 14-9 lead at halftime, led by six points each from Charlie Furer and David Kranzler and two from Natanel Bromberg. Congregation Ahavath Torah was led in the first half by Jacob Gervis with five points (all from the line) and Aaron Edell with four points. In the third period, Furer added four more points (ten for game) and Kranzler also contributed (nine for game). At this point the Congregation Ahavath Torah team took charge and scored the game’s final ten points. Edell added two more points (six for game) and JJ Leibowitz hit a key foul shot. But it was championship game MVP Gervis who added two baskets and six foul shots for a game high 15 points and willed his team to the championship. The league looks forward to seeing the boys next season in the 3/4 division. Thanks to all the volunteer coaches for their time and the sponsors for their support.

Before a packed crowd at the Felman Gymnasium at RYNJ, Clifton Pediatric Dental Care tipped off against Keller Williams NYC. One fan commented before the game, “This is the ultimate bracket breaker, with the five and three seeds playing for the championship.” The excitement was in the air and all in attendance knew that they were in for a good game. The two teams seemed to be matching each other basket for basket. Tied 6-6 after the first, in the second the Keller Williams tandem of Avi Winslow (six points) driving to the hoop and Gavi Greenspan (team high ten points) cleaning up the boards guided Keller Williams to a 15-13 lead at the half. In the second half Clifton Pediatric Dental Care turned it up a notch behind the sharp shooting of Rachamim Yoghoubzar (six points) and the tenacious play of MVP Ezra Stern (team high eight points). When the final buzzer sounded Clifton Pediatric Dental Care was victorious 24-21

While the vast majority of basketball fans were sitting down to watch North Carolina take on Gonzaga for the NCAA title, many MGBL fans were at The Felman Gymnasium at RYNJ to witness the conclusion of another amazing season. The undefeated Glatt Express & Lazy Bean Cafe team in white played against Deb El Food, which had only one loss on the season and came out in their blue jerseys. Deb El Food took an early lead as MVP Avery Stepner (game high 26 pts) outscored Glatt Express & Lazy Bean Cafe in the first quarter 13-10. After taking an early lead Deb El moved the ball with precision, finding Eli Saks for 12 point and Shimon Staum for 13. At halftime Glatt Express & Lazy Bean Cafe coach Ronnie Siesser told his team that the game was far from over; hearing his father’s message, David Siesser kept taking it to the hoop. He scored 14 of his team high 20 points in the second half, but was not able to make up for the first half deficit as Deb El captured the championship.

MGBL would like to thank all of the loyal sponsors, amazing volunteer coaches who offered hours of priceless guidance, terrific fans who made the boys feel so proud to be playing and, of course, the awesome kids who made it all worthwhile. The league looks forward to seeing everyone back in the fall when they start the girls season.

The high school boys season will start after Pesach, and there are still a handful of spots for sponsors and players available. Go to MGBL.org to sign up. The league is currently gauging interest in a women’s high school league (if there is enough interest, they will make it happen), so if your daughter is interested please email [email protected].