The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy (SAR) High School, 12th grader Lucy Hecht as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Lucy is the third of three Hecht sisters, each of whom was a stalwart basketball and softball player at SAR High School. Jessica, Sophie and Lucy each carried their teams to league championship victories in both basketball and softball. As a junior last year, Lucy led the Sting to the league championship game. The game was scheduled for five days after coronavirus shut down SAR and the matchup had to be cancelled. SAR was named co-champions and Lucy was able to earn her second high school basketball championship, including a JV title in her freshman year. An extraordinary 3-point shooter with an incredible head for the game, Lucy is a shooting guard whose legendary touch behind the 3-point line has few peers. She is the consummate teammate, respected and adored by all that share the floor with her and cheer her on from the bench.
As a softball pitcher, she carried the Sting to the championship win in her freshman year. Though her junior year softball season was cancelled, Lucy sincerely hopes that there will be a softball season in Spring 2021. When asked about her sharpshooter, SAR girls varsity basketball coach Tali Cohen Zelenetz told The Jewish Link, “Lucy is the type of person and player that any coach would be lucky to have on their team. On and off the court, Lucy is a leader who understands what she needs to do to help her team win. She is a strong student with a great basketball IQ. Lucy is an unselfish player who looks for her teammates and always tries to get them involved in the game. She is also a fun player to play with as her teammates always know to be ready for a no look pass or a 3-point shot from well beyond the arc. It is a pleasure to be her coach.”
Lucy, yasher koach on being recognized as Sportstar of the Week and for being a fixture of SAR athletics these past years. Who is your role model and why?
Lebron James. I admire not only his IQ for the game, but also the way he takes advantage of his platform to promote causes he cares about.
What is your favorite sport, how come?
Basketball. I’ve been playing organized basketball since I can remember, and I love how every game and every season still has its unique challenges and triumphs.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Making it to the championships every season since sixth grade (and winning three out of those five appearances, with last year ending as co-champions due to the pandemic).
Who is your favorite professional athlete to watch?
Jayson Tatum. His shooting form, fade-away jumper and perimeter defense is beautiful to watch.
What is your earliest sports memory?
Sunday morning basketball at JBL. I remember I was on the Magic, and our toughest, first-grade matchup was the merciless Heat.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Last year, my team flew to Los Angeles for the Steve Glouberman Basketball Tournament (hosted by Shalhevet), and the semifinals game of the tournament is my favorite sports memory. We were playing against Shalhevet on a Saturday night, and we found ourselves down 16 points entering the fourth quarter. Despite the deafening crowd and our own fatigue, we found a way to minimize their lead, ultimately winning in OT.
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
When I’m not playing sports, you can find me watching them. When the NBA returned this July after a four month hiatus, I would be on the couch from 1:30-10:30 p.m. every day, watching every single game in the bubble.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I get to talk about basketball even more than I already do!
The Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week will receive a 5% discount on their next order @Drink Up, order with https://forms.gle/k8cjADWpMne9bPed7 or message Steve Gutlove 201 578 7425. Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
