The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize seventeen-year-old Talia Markowitz as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Bruriah high school senior has been a four-year starter and is currently in her second year as captain of the Bruriah Lightning basketball team. The Lightning are off to another great season atop the MYHSAL girls varsity B basketball division with a perfect 6-0 record. Susan Rifkin, athletic director at Bruriah High School, told the JLNJ “Talya has one of the highest basketball IQs of any high-school basketball player. A true point guard, she makes everyone around her better.”
Talya, congrats on perfect season so far and high praise from Mrs. Rifkin. I know you have many positive role models in your life. If you had to select one person, who is your role model and why?
My role model is my dad, because he never gives up and always strives to be his best and has been my coach for a long time and is constantly pushing me to do my best and do everything to the greatest of my abilities.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sports are basketball and softball.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment, so far?
My greatest sport accomplishment is when I was in 10th grade and my basketball team was playing against Shalheveth, in the playoffs. I was really nervous for the game because Shalheveth was really good and we had lost to them in the regular season. The game started out a little slow, but halfway through the first quarter I shot a three and made it. After that I just kept shooting and I could barely miss. It was a great game, and we ended up beating Shalheveth and moving on to the championship game.
Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Maya Moore because she is a team player and even after losing in the finals she pushed herself harder and helped her team win the next year.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is when I was in first grade and played in a recreational basketball league. Even though it was really hard, I was always attempting to shoot the ball in to the eight foot hoop rather than the shorter hoops that we used. After trying for a while, I finally made it in one time after one of my games.
What is your funniest sports memory?
My weirdest sport memory was when I was in second grade and my sister, Ilana, was in third grade and we were on the same softball team. I was playing first base and she was playing second. The batter hit the ball directly in between the two of us and I called “Got it!” Naturally, my sister ran and picked up the ball before I could. Being a second grader, I threw my mitt on the ground, screamed her name and refused to continue to play. The best part was when our coach, who happened to be our dad, threw his hat on the ground in mock disbelief.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sport memory is not much of a memory but it’s when my basketball team beat SKA, our biggest rivals, for the second time this season, and we played an amazing game.
Favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
When I am not playing basketball or softball I can be found reading, hanging out with my friends or doing homework.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a Sportstar is showing that everyone can recover no matter how major or minor an injury is.
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].
