The Jewish Link would like to recognize 14-year-old Eytan Kirschenbaum as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The eighth grade student at RYNJ, who will be taking his talents to TABC in the fall, wowed the crowd with an almost perfect 20/21 performance in the first two weeks of the Hustle Heart Sports/Bergen Broncos foul shooting league. Eytan’s former coach at RYNJ, Steve Gutlove told the JLNJ, “Eytan was a pleasure to coach for two seasons at RYNJ. He has always had a great shot so it is no surprise that he is shooting the lights out at the Hustle Heart Sports/Bergen Broncos foul shooting tournament. However, it is Eytan’s work ethic that is the true testament to how great a player he is now; There is no limit to where it will take him. I have seen him put so much time and effort into developing other parts of his game along the way, making him into an all around great player. The sky’s the limit for Eytan! Wishing him much success on the court and beyond”
Eytan, congratulations on a great start to the tournament. Who is your role model and why?
My role models are my mom and dad because they help me through the good and bad. Plus, they give fantastic pump up speeches before games.
What is your favorite sport?
Basketball because I love how you can practice different aspects of the game from anywhere, anytime. When we go on vacation and there is no basketball hoop I practice running and other exercises I use during a game.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
In a game against Moriah last year, I scored nine 3 pointers during the game. We won that game.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My older brother Azriel teaching me how to play basketball on a mini hoop.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Lebron James. Although he didn’t have a steady home life growing up, he still found a way to succeed. I try to model his mindset of never giving up on a game, play or series.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Winning my second AAU championship and scoring 20 points.
What is your pregame routine?
I like to do the Peleton the night before a game as well as taking warm up shots.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Workout and hang out with my friends.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
When I was playing in an AAU game on a Sunday morning. During the game, a few parents from the other team tried to recruit me to play for Bergen Catholic High School.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Getting a gift card! I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all my previous coaches, thank you for all your hard work.
The Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to any Teaneck restaurant of their choice. Please contact Dena Kinderlehrer at 201-366-9104 to receive a certificate. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
