The Jewish Link of New Jersey and The RAIN on Water Event Space would like to recognize 13-year-old Noah Fishman as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The eighth grader at the Moriah School, like many 13-year-old boys, loves playing basketball. Since he was 8-years-old, he has been playing in AAU, rec leagues and summer camps. As Fishman got older he developed chronic postgame pain in his feet, back and hips. The pain worsened and by June of 2019 Fishman was unable to walk. His doctor diagnosed him with a collapsed foot and he had to undergo two procedures to rebuild his foot. This would be crushing news to any teen but after being a key member of the Moriah basketball team the previous two seasons, Fishman was devastated when his second foot surgery was scheduled for September and he knew he would miss a large part if not all of his eighth grade basketball season. Moriah Mountaineer Coach Mike Malka insisted that Fischman come to the team’s games because he was an integral part of the team. Last month, Fischman suited up for the Mountaineers for the first time post surgery. The whole gym erupted in a standing ovation when he took the court and contributed to the Mountaineers final push to the playoffs and a convincing round one victory over the Hillel Heat.
Coach Malka told the JLNJ, “Noah Fishman is a kid who is near and dear to my heart. He is a coach’s dream, naturally talented and eager to work on his game to get better. As a team we struggled when he was out of the lineup missing both his character and physical presence on the court. When the Doctors first cleared Noah to rejoin the team, I was hesitant to play him, chas v’shalom he reinjures himself and commits irreparable damage. Despite assurance from Noah, his parents and doctors I didn’t play him till I was sure he could safely play. Even though he was still not one hundred percent, Noah was a key contributor in our quarter finals victory and we look forward to another strong game from him in the semi finals and hopefully beyond.”
As Noah and his teammates await their semifinal game at Ramaz, Noah has tremendous hakarat hatov to Dr. Martin O’Malley and his staff at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
Noah, we are so happy to see you on the court again with your teammates. Who is your role model and why?
Dr Martin O’Malley He successfully performed big surgeries on both my feet.
What is your favorite sport?
Basketball is my favorite sport because I enjoy playing it.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Coming back from my foot surgeries.
What is your earliest sports memory?
Scoring 20 points in second grade game.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Jalen Smith on the University of Maryland basketball team, because I model my own game off of his.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Hanging with Giants player Reggie White and his family after a preseason game until 1 a.m.
What is your pregame routine?
Eating glazed donuts.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Watching sports.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Answering questions from the media.
The RAIN on Water Event Space Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to any Teaneck Restaurant of their choice. Please contact RAIN at 201.817.8100 to receive a certificate. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and RAIN on Water Event Space Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].:
