Week 3 brought some dazzling scoring performances and one defensive nail biter along with some dominating victories. Several teams have begun to separate themselves from the pack.
Gold Seals 25, Chovat Piaseczna 24
In the most thrilling game of the weekend, the Gold Seals continue to win with their defense. In the first half, the Gold Seals grabbed an early lead before Micah Cohen of Piasecnzna went on a personal 7-0 scoring run. But the Gold Seals regrouped and made their opponent earn every point the rest of the way. With the game on the line, Piaseczna star Josh Hyman saw his potential game-winning midrange jumper barely roll off the rim, as his team loses its second consecutive heartbreaker. Gold Seals, meanwhile, have bounced back from a season-opening loss to win three straight games.
Good Guys 52, Neveh Fighters 29
The Good Guys remain undefeated in this comfortable victory. They won by 23 points, which equaled the personal output of leading scorer Zack Cytryn. Neveh has faced an adjustment to the FM Home Loans IBL, which is typical of younger teams. The Good Guys, meanwhile, have been playing together for a while, and it shows in their cohesiveness.
Egert and Cohen 53, Imrei Binah 32
Backed by 19 points from star guard Jackie Haber, Egert and Cohen pick up their first win of the season. Alan Sassoon also contributed with 12 points, including eight in the first half. Yosef Groman led Imrei Binah with 10 points in a losing effort, as they dropped to 1-2 on the season in their first of two games on the week.
Imrei Binah 51, Probstein 123 Midrash Ballers 37
Yosef Groman led Imrei in scoring once again, this time going for 20 points. Imrei Binah is now 2-2 on the season, alternating losses and wins with each game. Midrash, meanwhile, was led by 14 points by Nat Assayag. The Ballers have also alternated losses and wins, though they have played one fewer game than Imrei, and their record stands at 1-2.
Symphony Care Network 76, Egert and Cohen 47
Symphony Care Network put on an offensive clinic, their 76 points scored the most any team has achieved in a single game this season. Three of their players scored at least 15 points, led by 22 from point guard Moshe Wasser. Egert and Cohen was led by 18 points from Alan Sassoon, and they dropped to 1-3 on the season. SCN is one of two undefeated teams at 3-0.
DNA Lab Center 51, Sherlocks Hats 35
DNA Lab Center finally broke through into the win column, following a tough overtime loss last week. Azriel Feldman and Chanoch Brukirer had 12 points each for the winning team. Sherlocks loses their first of two games this week.
Reishit Studs 65, Neveh Fighters 13
Five Reishit players scored at least nine points, led by 18 from Jonah Eber. Ari Ofman provided elite rim protection as Reishit cruised to a very comfortable win. The Studs are now 2-1 on the season, while Neveh is still looking for its first win, sitting at 0-3.
Yeshiva League Pass 58, SINAI Schools 51
The anticipated matchups between two FM Home Loans IBL heavyweights was won by Yeshiva League Pass in impressive fashion. Moshe and Aharon Heller combined to score more than half of YLP’s points as their squad bounced back from last week’s loss to Symphony Care Network. They are now tied in the standings with SINAI schools at 2-1.
Hot Poppers 59, Sherlocks Hats 46
In the final game of the weekend, the shorthanded Hot Poppers won their season debut. Judah Klein of the Hot Poppers led all scorers with 20 points. On the opposite end, Sherlocks continue to struggle, as they have lost their past three games following a season-opening win over Imrei Binah.