Yavneh’s last game before Pesach was against Moriah and they lost in overtime 19-18, so this playoff game against their rival was particularly suspenseful.

The beginning of the game was tense. Moriah was in the lead for most of the first quarter and second, but Yavneh remained closely behind. Our man-to-man defense was not stopping their scorers and it was hurting morale. The girls said, “Let’s go to a 2-3,” but I was reluctant since it opens the game up for jump shots. In practice we worked on transitioning, but I wasn’t sure we would be able to prevent jump shots from their consistent shooters. We tried it, and the girls moved together as a unit beautifully and protected the basket. It was so cool to see.

Forwards Zoey Buchsbayew, Emma Sohnen, and Naava Klayn were rebounding consistently on defense and working hard on the boards to get us extra points with put backs. Rebecca Adler and Evie Gutlove played either down low or up top whereever we needed and rose to the occasion hitting jump shots whether it be hitting key jump shots or driving to the basket. Emma Soclof and Tamar Fineberg played aggressively and helped run the offense with solid and smooth passes and by penetrating their defense. Aria Molovany, Mia East, and Kayla Waitman eagerly kept up the intensity on defense and gave 100% throughout the game and supported the team while cheering on the side between subbing in. Michal Meisels and Kira Elbaum had a great game working together as guards and driving to the basket. They both played hard and unselfishly scoring layups and foul shots for Yavneh.

I’m so proud of them and look forward to a great game in the championship series.

By Coach Jennifer Sanders