The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 12-year-old Baila Gopin as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The sixth grader at the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey just completed a dominant season for the Raf and Raf MGBL team. Baila’s coaches were eager to shower praise on their star. Coach Eric Kuperman told the JLNJ, “Baila is among the most consistent and quietly dominant players in the league. She has a cool, calm and collected approach and can regularly be counted on to rally her teammates and lead the charge. More impressively, she does it with a pleasant smile and plays the game like a mensch. It was a pleasure to coach her and we look forward to watching her continue to develop her game.” Coach Michael Smilow added, “We were very fortunate to have Baila on the team for her skill, but more importantly, she is a great teammate, very coachable and an all around good person”.
Baila, congrats on another great season. Who is your role model and why?
My mother because she always pushes me, in school and on the court.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is basketball.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I once scored 28 points in an MGBL game to beat the best team in the league.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Tom Brady because even at an old age he is an amazing athlete who works hard.
What is your pregame routine?
My pregame routine is shooting foul shots and taking layups.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is going to Fenway Park with my grandfather and parents and running the bases after the Red Sox game.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
My weirdest sports memory is in my first year in MGBL when I accidentally shot in the wrong basket.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My best sports memory is going to a very intense Celtics vs. Cavaliers game with my family.
What is your favorite thing to do when not playing sports?
My favorite thing to do when not playing sports is hanging out with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a Sportstar is being recognized for my accomplishments on the court doing what I love to do.
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
By JLNJ Sports Desk
