Teaneck Doghouse held on to defeat Best Glatt, 25-24 in a basketball game that was exciting from the start.

The first period was low scoring with the Doghouse up 3-2, but the pace picked up in the second period. Doghouse came out strong, led by Atara Forman (7 points), Danya Langer (5 points) and Eliana Friedman (2 points). Best Glatt was led in the first half by Eva Benkel’s 6 points and Yakira Buchwald’s 2 points. At the half, the score was 14-8 in favor of Doghouse.

In the third period Doghouse tried to pull away with scoring from Maayan Gellis (2 points), Atara Landa (2 points) and 4 more from Atara Forman. Yet, Best Glatt would not go quietly. Ava Benkel added 4 more points, Ava Katz added 2 and Maya Best scored 2 points. This kept the game within 6 points heading into the fourth period.

Early in the last period Ava Benkel (scoring 6 of her game high 16 points) did everything possible for Best Glatt, but Atara Forman (team high 14 points) answered each basket with points of her own. When Maya Best scored, she cut the Doghouse lead to 3, and Ava Benkel then cut it to 1. In the final seconds, Best Glatt had one last chance but could not score. Doghouse held on for the championship.

The coaches, sponsors and families showed unwavering support, and the girls mastered a great season and a great game.