In what will surely go down as one of the most thrilling basketball games in recent memory, Ramaz JV triumphed over DRS in a semifinal matchup that went to double overtime at the Ramdome last Tuesday night. The game, a true test of endurance and skill, was decided in the final seconds, and saw a total of 14 lead changes and 12 ties. Neither team led by more than five points, making it a back-and-forth affair from start to finish.
From the opening whistle, both teams showcased their distinct strategies. Ramaz sought to dominate inside, feeding the ball to their imposing big man, Emanuel Kushner. Meanwhile, DRS relied on the playmaking of point guard Elisha Tsaidi, using ball screens and spacing to give him room to operate.
Tsaidi set the tone early for DRS, scoring the Wildcats’ first seven points of the game. Ramaz countered with three quick layups, a Noah Hiltzik three-pointer, and free throws from Ed Ash, and took an 11-7 lead six minutes into the game. DRS answered back with an 8-0 run to close the quarter, including two big three-pointers from Daniel Kahan and Dani Gast, as well as a pull-up jumper by Tsaidi.
In the second quarter, it was Kushner who took control for Ramaz, scoring their first seven points of the period to put the Rams back in front, 18-17. Despite another small run by DRS—this time led by Tsaidi and Gast—Ramaz took a 26-25 lead into halftime, thanks to a late steal and fast-break layup by Ash.
The second half saw both teams battling through adversity. DRS came out of the break with a 5-0 run, but Kushner quickly responded, scoring a layup and hitting a free throw on the ensuing possession to bring the Rams within one. With a tough three-pointer and-one by Daniel Greenberg, DRS managed to stretch their lead to 34-29, the largest of the game for either side. However, the Rams once again turned to Kushner in the paint, who kept them in the game with two more buckets. A three-pointer from Hiltzik completed a 7-0 Ramaz run, putting them ahead 36-34. A 4-0 DRS run in the final minute of the quarter brought the Wildcats to a 38-36 lead as the teams entered the final frame of regulation.
With their season on the line, both teams turned to their stars. Hiltzik opened the fourth quarter with a layup to tie the game, but Tsaidi answered with a corner three. Hiltzik then stepped up with a clutch foul-line performance, hitting all three of his free throws to tie the game again at 41. With DRS’ big man, Kahan, sitting on four fouls, the Rams went back to Kushner in the post multiple times, and the 6′ 4 ” sophomore gave them a brief two-point lead. However, Tsaidi responded with free throws and a pull-up jumper to give DRS the two-point lead, which was quickly erased by another layup from Kushner with three minutes remaining, tying the game at 45. The final minutes of regulation were tense, as neither team was able to score. Both teams failed to hit good looks in the final 15 seconds—Kushner missed a layup, got his own miss, and then missed two free throws, and when DRS got the ball back, Tsaidi couldn’t convert on an open layup as time expired, sending the game to overtime.
In the first overtime, Tsaidi put DRS up early with a quick basket off the tip-off, but Ramaz’s Charlie Kaplan responded, driving to the basket to score. The game continued to be a foul-fest, with both teams in the bonus and a quick whistle from the refs, frustrating both teams. Free throw shooting began playing a significant role. DRS capitalized on their opportunities, hitting 14 of 16 free throws in the game, while Ramaz struggled at the line, missing a combined 17 free throws in the second half and overtime. Miller and Kaplan played hero for Ramaz, scoring six points in the last two minutes of the overtime period. With the game tied at 53, DRS had a chance to win, but Tsaidi’s game-winning pull-up attempt rolled out, sending the contest into a second overtime.
In the sixth period, Ramaz’s Kushner found a cutting Kaplan for a quick basket to put the Rams ahead. DRS’ Shua Pollak, playing major minutes after both the Wildcats’ starting big men, Kahan and Reich, fouled out, made a clutch free throw to bring the game within one. The drama continued, with both teams battling hard and earning crucial stops. Miller continued to step up big for Ramaz, and two split trips to the line for Ash and Ralph Sigoura brought Ramaz up 59-55 with under a minute remaining, although Ash would foul out. Tsaidi then hit a stepback three-pointer and-one, fouling out Miller. With the game now tied and two key pieces on the bench for Ramaz, Kaplan stepped up once more, attacking the rim and getting fouled. He hit one free throw, but missed the second. The ball went to none other than Tsaidi, who was fouled on the ground, and under immense pressure hit both free throws for DRS with just 4.7 seconds left, putting them up 61-60.
Ramaz had one last shot to save their season. They quickly inbounded the ball to Hiltzik, who attacked 60 feet downcourt in just three seconds, streaking ahead with long dribbles. Hiltzik then went up for a running three pointer in the face of a DRS defender who was closing out on him, and the refs called a questionable foul with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock. Hiltzik missed the first free throw, but recovered and found the internal fortitude to hit both of the next two, putting Ramaz up 62-61. Kushner deflected DRS’ hail mary inbound pass, sealing the Rams’ victory and sending the raucous home crowd into pandemonium.
Elisha Tsaidi was the standout player of the night, putting up an incredible 41 points, including a perfect 12-13 from the free-throw line, as he scored 22 of DRS’ final 23 points of the contest. Ramaz’s efforts were more balanced. Kushner led the way for his team, with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks and 4 assists. Ash contributed 11 points and 3 assists, playing turnover-free basketball while commanding the point. Kaplan and Miller combined for 14 points, with 13 of those coming in overtime. Hiltzik chipped in 16 points, including the game-winning free throws. As a team, the Rams had just five turnovers, which enabled them to win the game despite major shooting woes.
The Rams now move on to the MYHSAL Championship Game, where they will face 11-1 Flatbush, who edged Frisch 47-44 in their semifinal. The game will take place at YU on Sunday, March 16 at 1:00 PM. After this unforgettable semifinal, Ramaz is ready for what promises to be another thrilling contest.
