(Courtesy of MVP) On Sunday, April 14, MVP Basketball hosted its 11th annual Girls All Star Day at SAR High School in Riverdale. The daylong program featured over 100 players from yeshivas from all leagues throughout the New York and New Jersey metro area, including Bergen County, as selected by their respective coaches. There were five all star games on this fun filled day—sixth, seventh and eighth grades, high school junior varsity and varsity. Each of the all stars received an MVP All Star Day 2019 cinch sack sponsored by MVP and DFNE. The teams were comprised of players from the following yeshiva day schools: Yeshivah of Flatbush, North Shore Hebrew Academy, ASHAR, Yeshiva Har Torah, HANC, YCQ, MDS, RPRY, Kushner, Moriah, HALB, HAFTR, Shaare Torah, Shulamith, Ramaz, Bruriah, Central and SAR. Coached by coaches from all the yeshiva leagues, the games were extremely competitive, with some buzzer beaters. The blend of all of the different colors of uniforms from players of so many teams was truly a colorful sight.

The comradery and interaction amongst players, friends and family members was truly memorable. In bringing together all star players from the East and the West, the event showed a great achdut amongst all those that attended and all were able to share experiences both on and off the court. The sense of team chemistry was also apparent as evidenced by the high level of play and unselfish team work all day throughout all of the games. SAR High School was the perfect venue for MVP All Star Day as it is also convenient to Carlos and Gabby’s, a kosher pizza store and a kosher Dunkin Donuts—as well as a kosher supermarket—all right across the street.

At halftime of each game, the MVP 3 point shootout (sixth grade foul shooting) took place which featured “specialists” as selected by their respective coaches. Some of the contests came down to the very last shot. This is one of the most exciting competitions that takes place in MVP Basketball Camp. Each 3 point champion received an MVP medal. In addition, an MVP was chosen from each team from each all star game and was awarded an MVP medal as well.

Congratulations to the 3 point/foul shooting champions:

Sixth grade: Leila Sakhai, Ramaz; Seventh grade: Ayelet Ostrin, RPRY; Eighth grade: Erin Merril, HAFTR; High school junior varsity: Talia Hazan, Central; High school varsity: Leora Itzkowitz, Central.

Congratulations to the MVPs of each of the all star games:

Sixth grade: Alexa Hajibay, North Shore Heberew Academy; Sophia Fruchter, HAFTR; Seventh grade: Molly Hiltzik, Ramaz; Jacqueline Kalaty, North Shore Hebrew Academy; Eighth grade: Zahava Aryeh, HALB; Alexandra Nadritch, Moriah; High school junior varsity: Eliana Brand, Central; Lili Leventhal, North Shore Hebrew Academy; High school varsity: Daniella Rothman, HANC; Sarah Tawil, Shaare Torah.

Special thanks to the coaches of the MVP All Star teams: Renee Dweck, YOF; Jelleah Sidney, HAFTR; Tiffany Sergeant, NSHA; Ariel Page, HAFTR; Kenneth Carter, ASHAR; Neer Even-Hen, Elon Sidney, HAFTR; Liz Setton, Shaare Torah; Dina Mann, Shulamith.

The games were attended by hundreds of spectators including family, friends and teammates. Several attendees even expressed the sentiment that it was so enjoyable, they are already looking forward to next year’s MVP All Star Day. Special thanks to SAR, and Athletic Director Joe DaCorta for their hospitality, and to all the parents, families, friends, players, refs and coaches for helping make this year’s MVP All Star Day the best one yet.

This event is the kickoff for MVP Girls Basketball Camp 2019. Now entering its 11th successful year, MVP Girls Basketball Camp is the premier Orthodox Jewish basketball camp taking place in the magnificent setting in Camp Seneca Lake at the end of August (8/20-8/23). MVP Tennis will be back as well. Same dates, Same location, Same cost. Space is limited. For more information and to be part of MVP, please contact Judah and Carol Rhine (516-707-2638), [email protected], or Irv Bader (718-261-2267), [email protected] or visit the website themvpcamps.com to register.