The Storm was loud and strong on Tuesday night as TABC celebrated opening night with gusto and excitement. There is no better way to begin the basketball season than with some hot dogs, burgers and loud music. On November 27, the TABC junior varsity kicked off their season with a pregame pep rally, barbecue and a Storm fan shirt giveaway, followed by TABC taking on Ramaz in back-to-back games.
Anticipating the games, students piled into the gym wearing their new TABC fan shirts. Before the junior varsity game, each player was announced at half court as the fans went wild! The TABC student band played the Star-Spangled Banner and Hatikvah before tipping off the ball.
As the game began the 2015-2016/ 5776 junior varsity basketball season, TABC took control of the faceoff against Ramaz by displaying patience, energy and an up-tempo game. Coach Oz Cross’s and Coach Jonathan Packer’s game plan was executed properly when the Storm held off a very hardworking Ramaz basketball team. Balanced scoring was led by Efrayim Saks and Eli Harcsztark (the fans “stormed” the court at Eli’s first quarter buzzer basket). Contributions were made by many players and TABC won the game by 11 points.
Next, the varsity teams took to the court. In front of a capacity crowd, the TABC Storm varsity basketball team did not disappoint their fans while facing a very hungry, hardworking and well-coached Ramaz varsity team. Seniors Gavi Smith, Shua Naor and Aaron Heideman along with junior Mo Proctor provided the offensive firepower, while junior Andrew Haberman played an outstanding all-around game. Tai Gerszberg showed everyone how courage and determination are the keys to success on any playing field. Shlomo Kroopnick stepped up when the team needed his help. The Storm won the game by 20 points.
The Storm emerged victorious in both games; the JV finished with a score of 58-47 and varsity with a score of 65-45. The performance of the athletes was matched by the spirit of the crowd, which was filled with cheering fans not only from TABC but the larger community as well.
