The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize three members of the YMSSA championship Yeshivat Noam eighth grade team as this week’s Sportstars of the Week: Moshe Keiser, Netanel Benloulou and Rafi Suss. When asked about this terrific trio, RYNJ Jaguars coach Steve Gutlove (who coached against these boys for three consecutive years) told the JLNJ, “The Noam Knights are a great team, it has been a pleasure to watch them gel as a unit under the leadership of Coach Weinberger. With regards to these three boys: Moshe Keiser is tremendously athletic, with a very high basketball IQ. He stepped up and excelled at the point when Ikey Herman was recovering from injury. Netanel Benloulou, transferred from Moriah in seventh grade, adding to an already solid frontcourt as an unstoppable presence around the basket and an offensive weapon that could throw down 25 points every game. Rafi Suss is the player every coach tries to build their team around. He can handle the ball and pass like a guard, can shoot from anywhere on the court, plays lockdown defense and can rebound with anyone in the league.”

Moshe, Netanel and Rafi, congratulations on the big win and another great season. Who are your role models and why?

Moshe Keiser: My parents because they inspire me every day to work harder and always encourage me to do my best.

Netanel Benloulou: My parents and coaches, because they teach me both on and off the court and encourage me.

Rafi Suss: My parents because I learn things from both of them every day.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Moshe Keiser: Lawrence Taylor, because he was a very dominant player and changed the way football is played.

Netanel Benloulou: Lebron James, because he is an all around player and entertaining to watch. I learn how to be a better player from him.

Rafi Suss: Luka Doncic, because his style of play is unique and he is a humble player.

What is your pregame routine, if you have one?

Moshe Keiser: Listening to lots of Hebrew music before the game.

Netanel Benloulou: I stretch and practice layups and jump shots.

Rafi Suss: Eat lots of food, blast Jewish music and play the ukulele.

What is your earliest sport memory?

Moshe Keiser: Watching my older brother pitch for TABC in the championship game.

Netanel Benloulou: Playing for Bergen Broncos in third grade. It was my first time playing competitively and we won the championship.

Rafi Suss: Basement mini basketball and football.

What is your weirdest sports memory?

Moshe Keiser: When there was 30 seconds left on the clock, but I thought there was one second so I chucked up a half court shot and it went in.

Netanel Benloulou: When my Bergen Broncos team scored over 100 points! We had four players against a younger team with five players.

Rafi Suss: Scoring on the wrong basket in an MGBL game in fourth grade.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

Moshe Keiser: The best thing about being a Sportstar is that my friends and I get to be appreciated for what we do on and off the court.

Netanel Benloulou: Best thing about being a sports star is getting recognized with my best friends for doing what we love to do.

Rafi Suss: Getting to share this with two of my teammates and friends.

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