The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Eitan Menasha as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Yavneh Academy eighth grader is one of the stars of the YMSSA 8th grade basketball champion Yavneh Redhawks team. Menasha and the Redhawks not only captured the schools first ever 8th grade boys basketball championship, they also helped beloved Coach Selevan win his first ever basketball championship. Selevan has won tennis championships but after decades of coaching Yeshiva Varsity, Junior Varsity and middle school basketball he collected his first basketball championship with the Redhawks last month. In the playoffs Menasha scored 18 points in the semifinal game against BPY along with 14 points, 2 assists and 27 rebounds in the championship game, earning him the title of MVP. Eitan is known as an amazing young man all around. He’s a hard worker who is constantly committed to improving his game and being a good teammate. With the help of his coaches, he has really come into his own. He is a strong rebounder with a high basketball IQ and is also fun to watch and cheer on. He’s nonassuming and composed, always focused on the task at hand and trying to do whatever is best for the team. “We are proud of his accomplishments on and off the court,” said Chad Mekles from CMEK, who added “Eitan is the starting center on our CMEK club team. He is widely regarded as the state’s best big man and recently led our team to two Winter Tournament Championships. Yavneh Redhawks Coach Ushie Selevan told the Jewish Link, “We all know about Eitan’s basketball skills but aside from being the team captain and starting center for our championship Yavneh team – Eitan’s true character was apparent when he injured his shoulder and still came to every practice and game to cheer on his teammates. He really is a true champion.”
Eitan, congratulations on the championship and for being recognized as this week’s sportstar of the week.
Who is your role model and why?
My parents because they work very hard and always drive me to my basketball practices and come to my games
What is your favorite sport?
Basketball because I started playing it at such a young age and have always loved the game
What is your earliest sports memory?
Playing CMEK basketball with my friends when I was in second grade
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Winning the yeshiva league 8th grade championship
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Nikola Jokic because he’s so dominant in the paint and he averages a triple double
What is your pregame routine?
Drink a lot of water and try not to get distracted by anything not basketball
What is your funniest sports memory?
I once shot in the wrong basket during an MGBL game
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
Hang out with friends
What is your favorite sports moment?
This whole eighth grade season leading up to the championship game
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Being recognized for all the hard work my team and I put in this season to make it a success
The Humble Toast Sportstar of the Week will receive a $25 gift at The Humble Toast. Please send nominees for an upcoming The Humble Toast Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to Sports@jewishlinknj.com
