The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 16-year-old Hillel Glick as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Jewish Educational Center High School sophomore is a co-captain and shooting guard for JEC’s JV Thunder basketball team. At the Oren Grunbaum Invitational Tournament in Montreal earlier this month, he was one of five players awarded First Team All Star, among more than 100 participants. Hillel broke a JEC record when he scored 30 points in a game, the highest level in memory, and averaged over 25 points a game over the four game tournament. More importantly, Hillel is a mensch on the court to his teammates as well as off the court.
Hillel, yasher koach on this honor and a great tournament. Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my dad. He has a good outlook on life and has taught me winning is important, but doing the right thing is even more important.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is basketball.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest sports accomplishment is when I volunteered to teach a kid with special needs how to shoot a basketball. I will never forget the joy and the smile on his face when he hit his first shot.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
I admire Carson Wentz, Eagles QB who is currently injured. Despite his injury, he worked with his backup QB and came to the film room at 5 a.m. to make his backup the best he can be. This showed that he truly wanted his team to win, even though he was unable to play. Not only is Carson a great player but he also does a lot of charity work.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
Before the games, I review my errors from previous games and I look to improve for the upcoming game with my dad. I also like to listen to my playlist and warm up with my teammates before the game.
What is your earliest sport memory?
My earliest sports memory is playing one-on-one tackle football in the snow with one of my closest friends, Yitzy Hershkowitz.
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
My favorite thing to do when not playing sports is reading the Jewish Link of New Jersey.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory by far is having the amazing opportunity to experience the Super Bowl this year live in Minneapolis, and better yet, having my favorite team win.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a Sportstar is that I am able to publicly thank my coaches for what they have done for me, especially Coach Avi Borenstein. Coach Borenstein has taught me so much about the game of basketball. I am also able to thank my unbelievable teammates and it’s amazing to be their captain. I also am able to thank my brother for dominating me in one-on-ones and making me a better player. I also thank my sister for giving me a tougher matchup each and every week. And a shout out to my mother for making my games and making sure that I don’t miss a single practice.
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
