The Noam Knights 7/8 Girls concluded a third consecutive season without a single loss on Tuesday night. In a rematch of last year’s 7/8 Girls championship game, the undefeated Noam Knights faced the 7-3 SAR Sting in the Frisch gymnasium. Noam was determined to defend its title and, for the eighth graders, capture a third consecutive undefeated season. The two teams last met in early February when Noam beat SAR by 21 points. Noam advanced to the championship by beating Moriah, while the Sting defeated Hillel.
Following a tense seventh grade boys championship game between Noam and SAR, the stands were filled with many energized fans of both teams with their respective mascots cheering them on. Noam jumped to an early 6-0 lead about halfway through the first quarter, and by the end of the quarter the score was 12-5. Early in the second quarter SAR cut the lead to 12-9 with tough defense, leading to layups. Noam responded by knocking down some key shots and extended the lead to 18-9. Through a combination of intense pressure defense and good offensive play, Noam led at halftime 28-13.
The third quarter had similar play with Noam protecting their lead. Noam’s full court press made it difficult for SAR to bring the ball up the court and set up their offense. This, together with tough interior defense, led to several turnovers. The Sting stuck around with strong shooting from the perimeter, but Noam managed to break away and widen their lead to 43-21 by the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Noam’s reserves saw more playing time and helped maintain their lead. Ultimately, Noam won with a score of 49-31 in what was truly a team effort.
This group of girls worked so hard at something much bigger than any one player. To win as a group, each one contributing in her own unique way, is what has defined this team as one for the ages. They played with heart, determination, passion and with a true love for the game. These dynamics are what led them to accomplish something that has never been done before in YMSSA history—a three peat championship while having never lost a single game during that time.
Perhaps the most inspiring piece to this run is how these girls played with great character, something that seamlessly traversed the basketball court boundaries into the game of life. This is a credit to the leadership of Coach Ariela Herman, who taught these girls from the first practice what is most important. She led by example, wanting this group to be successful both on and off the basketball court.
Yeshivat Noam is so proud of this team and congratulate Arianna Chesner, Hannah Friedman, Temmy Gerson, Tobi Herman, Lielle Holzer, Maya Krause, Abigail Lerer, Jordana Marks, Ayelet Motechin, Eva Rothschild, Hannah Schacter, Sydney Weinblut and Coach Herman.
