The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 15 year old Samantha Horowitz as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Salanter Akiba Riverdale High School sophomore, has been a starter on the SAR varsity basketball team since freshman year. She is the team’s leader in rebounds and blocked shots. Her skill set is not only as one of the league’s best defenders, she also has impressive post moves and a precise jumpshot from the outside.
Samantha, yasher koach on this honor and another great season. Who is your role model and why?
My role model is definitely my mom, Jenny Horowitz, not only because she always believes in me but also because she taught me everything I know about being a basketball player, on and off the court.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport would absolutely be basketball because of the constant movement during the game and the relationships made with teammates and coaches.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I have been fortunate enough to have competed on high quality AAU/NY Hoopers and Yeshiva League teams. My greatest sports accomplishments include winning the Tri County Basketball League, seventh/eighth grade girls “A” division as the starting center for the New Rochelle AAU Huguenots, as well as competing for NY Hoopers AAU throughout the country. I also loved playing a role in winning three championships in the past four years for SAR, including starting for the ninth grade championship varsity team last year.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Breanna Stewart is my favorite athlete because she combines competitiveness with a strong desire to grow as a player and a teammate. She also always strives to put the team’s success over individual accomplishments.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
Before the game I make sure to hit ten layups on each side and finish with two consecutive foul shots.
What is your earliest sport memory?
My first sport memory was playing in the Riverdale Y league in third grade. I remember right from the start loving the feeling of being on the court and especially competing with older players. It was there that I first started learning the fundamentals of the game.
What is the weirdest thing that happened to you while playing ball?
I haven’t had many weird moments in my sports career, but a moment that stands out is how accepting and inviting everyone on the varsity team was to me as an incoming freshman.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Last year’s championship game was intense and memorable. After being ahead for most of the game, we entered the fourth quarter with a tight score. Thankfully, due to amazing teamwork and tight defense, we ended up pulling out an unforgettable victory.
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
When I’m not playing sports I love hanging out with my friends and family. Also, when I get the chance I enjoy volunteering in many activities provided by my school.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best part of being a sportstar is constantly pushing myself harder to grow and always striving to make those around me better.
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].
