The Yeshivat Noam Knights sixth grade girls’ basketball team entered the championship game working on a flawless season, while Moriah had an April 4, loss to these very same Noam Knights as their only loss in an otherwise stellar 9-1 season. The two squads were coming off convincing semi-final victories over the Yavneh Redhawks and Hillel Heat. With both teams riding a similar road to the championship, all in attendance knew they were in store for a great game.
The game started slowly for both teams and midway through the first quarter they were even at four points. Within the last minute of the quarter, Noam hit two baskets to end the quarter with an 8-4 edge. Coming into the second quarter, Noam hit an early basket to start, but Moriah came back with a basket. Noam went on a quick run to extend their lead to 19-7, but Moriah did not give up. As the quarter was coming to a close Moriah hit a shot to bring the score to 19-9 going into halftime.
Noam did not hold anything back, starting the scoring of the second half with a 3 point basket. Moriah played tough defense and forced some turnovers, but could not capitalize on their shots. The score at the end of the third, had Noam up 27-14, as they went on a run to end the quarter. Moriah would not go away. Two quick 3s to start the fourth quarter had Noam nervous and looking for good decisions on offense and a need for tough defense; especially against the strong outside shooting from Moriah in that quarter. Moriah continued to attack the basket, but a clutch shot and free throws put Noam up 31-24, which would be the final score of the game.
Not only did the game mark the end of another terrific season of YMSSA basketball, but also the end of an era, as it was the final game for Yeshivat Noam’s beloved Head Coach Ariela Herman. Coach Herman retires as the all-time winningest girl’s coach in the YMSSA. However the true testament to Coach Herman’s greatness is her desire to see every single one of her players shine, and one has to look no further than her team’s balanced scoring in the championship game to see that she not only wins, but all of her players are winners as a result of playing for her.
Congratulations to Leah Abrahams, Sarah Berkowitz, Atara Forman, Julia Friedman, Tali Herman, Emma Kinches, Danya Langer, Neely Peven, Elisheva Piontnica, Sara Rolnick, Lana Schmutter, Nechama Stein, assistant coach Avigayil Kaminetsky and coach Ariela Herman.
