The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize 12-year-old Tova Kaplan as this week’s Sportstar of the Week.
Tova has been a standout player in the Mitch Gross Basketball League the past two years and a proud member of the Ben Porat Yosef team that won the first girls game in school history last month. When asked about Kaplan’s contributions to this history making team, Coach Chad Mekles of CMek told JLNJ, “She is a fearless leader, ferocious competitor, and a very good kid. She scored or assisted on every play and was the catalyst that led to a fast-paced game. “
Tova who would you say is your role mode?
My mother is my role model. She encourages me to work hard and play my best, and she always attends my games and cheers on the team even if we are not doing so well.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is probably Kobe Bryant. Even though he is 36, which is pretty old for an NBA player, he is still in the starting five for the Lakers. I admire how hard he works and how he has always been loyal to his team.
What is your pregame meal?
I always have yogurt, usually Lemon Chobani.
What is your earliest sports memory?
In 2nd grade in camp we were playing basketball. I had never paid attention to the sport before. In that game, I found that I really enjoyed it. After that, I played basketball at recess whenever I could, and that is how I improved.
What is your favorite sports memory?
BPY’s winning game against MDS this season. Last year, we didn’t win a single game. Our final game was against MDS, and in a really close game, they beat BPY by only one basket. This year, for the first time ever in BPY history, the BPY girls’ team won a game. I was so excited to be a part of that game.
What is your favorite thing to do when not playing sports?
I really enjoy drawing. I admit that I spend a lot of time drawing basketballs, but I do draw other things, too.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I love being part of a team, and I really love playing basketball.
The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for next week’s Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected]
