The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize Torah Academy of Bergen County sophomore Alex Ostrin as this week’s sportstar of the week. Ostrin came to TABC after three years as the star of his RPRY junior high. He was a force as a freshman last year, and came up huge when the Storm topped the Flatbush Falcons in preseason action. TABC fans and second year coach Alex Cross are looking for continued greatness from Ostrin.
Coach Cross told The JLNJ, “Alex is one of the hardest working kids I have ever coached. He’s all about team and effort. What’s most amazing is that he’s able to excel both academically and athletically. He’s a joy to coach. “
Alex, who is your role model and why?
I view my grandfather as my biggest role model. Surviving the Holocaust as a young boy, he has taught me to never give up, even in the gravest of circumstances. Additionally, his success after the war, in so many different areas, has demonstrated to me the amazing impact of hard work, kindness, generosity and passion for life.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs is my favorite athlete. His purely fundamental style of play illustrates the beauty of basketball, which I love to watch. I have learned from him that through utilizing the basics of the game, one can thrive on a high level even without the pure athleticism that some possess. Every athlete has their limitations. I try to use skills and basketball IQ, as does Duncan, to outsmart opponents and compete with high level players.
What is the funniest thing that happened to you while playing sports?
I was playing a scrimmage with some non-Jewish college ball players when the opposing team was on a fast break and the 5’8 point guard started driving down the lane. I started backing up, which I would soon find out was the wrong move. All of a sudden, this guy smaller than me was in the air above my head. Needless to say, he dunked right over me and I got a rude awakening to the “real world.” I wasn’t sure if I should be embarrassed or excited, because this was a once in a lifetime experience that was unlikely to repeat in the yeshiva league.
Looking back, what is your favorite sports memory?
Our home opener at TABC last year was my most exciting and hyped up memory of basketball. The whole team got announced and the fans were going crazy to the point where we couldn’t hear the play that was being called. That night I found out that I was starting and I scored the first points of the game. We ended up playing great team defense and we took home the “W.” It was an unbelievable introduction to high school basketball and an experience I’ll never forget.
What do you like to do when you are not playing basketball?
When not playing ball, I love to ski and play tennis. Those two sports are a big hit in my family, so I get the added advantage of spending time with my family when participating in them.
What is the best thing about being a sports star?
In the big picture, becoming a sports star highlights my teammates and team, as a whole. We push each other every day to improve our game, as individual players and as a team and, ultimately, that grind will bring us to great places, in many areas. The sports star recognition reflects the commitment and dedication of the guys playing for TABC in that they challenge me every practice and game to always strive to improve and be better…on the court and off. Additionally, the Gotham Burger gift card is a nice bonus!
The Jewish Link and Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for upcoming Gotham Burger Sportstars of the Week to [email protected].
