In a defensive battle, Knoll Orthodontics defeated The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP team 42-31, to capture the 7/8 grade boys championship. The game was close throughout with both teams playing strong defense and limiting second chance opportunities. The game pitted the surprising 11th seeded Knoll Orthodontics vs. the fourth seeded The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP. The Knoll team lost some close regular season games but peaked at the right time.

The first period saw only few baskets, with The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP taking 5-3 lead at the end of the period. The Knoll Orthodontics team became more active in the second period behind six points from Jacob Feit while The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP was led by Avrohom Rivkin’s six straight points to keep the game close. At the half, Knoll led 13-11. The lead in the first half was never greater than two points. At the end of the third period, The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP cut the lead to one with balanced scoring from the team while Knoll was led by Simon Kalish’s five points. In the fourth period, Knoll extended its lead up to four (the largest lead of the game) with Feit adding six more. But Roni Heumann kept it close for the Rothenberg team with six of his own. In the final period, Kalish extended the lead to a game high six with two early free throws but the Rothenberg team would not quit cutting the lead to two on baskets from Yonah Luber and Heumann. Feit added two free throws, Kalish one more to extend the lead back to five. Then Kalish hit a key outside jumper to give Knoll a seven point lead. The rest of the game was played on the foul line with Rothenberg getting the lead down to six before Feit, Kalish and Jack Ruditzky sealed the game with timely foul shooting. Roni Heumann led the Rothenberg team with 13, Luber added eight, Rivkin six and two each for James Dyckman and Jared Kinches. Knoll was led by Feit and Kalish each with a game high 16 points, sharing game MVP honors. Ruditzky added six and Akiva Sheinbein and Etan Geisler each added two.

Thanks to the volunteer coaches, supportive sponsors and families and of course the boys for a great season. MGBL March Madness continues this coming weekend with semi-finals and championships in the other three divisions.

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By Akiva Fried