After yet another season of fierce competition, underdog victories and stellar team and individual performances, CMEK inducts its new season champs: the San Antonio Stars. Led by Captain Kristen Kush, of Clifton, no stranger to accolades and victories, the Stars pulled together a team of veterans and newcomers: Elana Mandel, Sam Locke, and Ariella Kravitz of Teaneck, Anat Katzir of Tenafly, and Alena Bloom, traveling almost an hour from Highland Park to make the weekly games. Game night predictions were tight, as was the game. With the lead going back and forth for the majority of the game, the Stars pulled away in the second half, leading to a 40-28 victory.
Kristen Kush, the league’s top scorer, led the championship game with 20 points and was named the playoff MVP. Playing against Nicole Sisco, top defender of season nine, Kush was challenged to deliver in her usual way: nailing her jumpers and hitting the boards for follow up shots—and she did. This matchup is one for the history books: both strong D3 competitors (William Smith for Kush and Salisbury for Sisco), Kush and Sisco are among the most revered in the league, with their solid scoring percentages, intimidating defense and high court IQs. Kush has played in every CMEK season and has coached several of the top local middle school and high school players on various CMEK AAU teams.
Alena Bloom finally landed her first CMEK championship title in her sixth consecutive season in the league and rose to the occasion by hitting four three-pointers. Matched up against Aliza Hiller for most of the game, a former CMEK champion and MVP, Bloom revered her competition. “Hiller’s one of the hardest guards to play, because she’s a shooter and a strong ball handler. You can’t give her any leeway—she knows what to do with it.” A former player for Millburn High School, Bloom’s a competitor at heart. “I’m so glad I found CMEK. Not only are you promised skilled and smart players and even teams, but the season structure gets those competitive juices going.”
Elana Mandel, no stranger to the league or to victory, helped clinch the win with two buckets at tight moments. An all-round strong player, Mandel can be counted on for clutch shots, tight defense and important rebounds. She did not disappoint. Mandel has been an invaluable player in each of her many CMEK seasons. Coincidentally her son Yonah, who attended the game to cheer on his mom, is a star fifth grade point guard who attends RYNJ. Yonah won a CMEK championship in the AAU league last winter.
Ariella Kravitz joined CMEK this season, recruited by Mandel, and quickly demonstrated her value to the league. A Bruriah alumna, Kravitz could score from anywhere on the court. Kravitz played reliably tight defense, never tiring or giving an inch of space.
Sam Hod Locke, a buzzer-beating offensive threat and former Frisch player, helped lead the Stars to victory with her quick speed and crisp plays. Locke was reliably first down the court each way, and often hit her shots off the fast break. Playing in the league for the majority of seasons, CMEK knows Locke never lets the defense rest. This was her third title. Locke’s brothers are standout players at YU.
Anat Katzir, in her third season with CMEK, led the team to victory solidly all season. Katzir plays power forward and can also hit the outside shot. A wildcard of the best variety, Katzir knows how to make the play and draw the defense right where she wanted it. Originally from Israel, Katzir played for Ha’poel Haifa, Elizur B’nai Brak, Elizur Shoham and sought out the league on her own. “Finding this league has been one of the great highlights of my relocation to the U.S. It is a great way to keep basketball in my life and to meet amazing women to team up with!”
Season 10 of the Women’s League begins at the end of January. For more information, please contact [email protected]
