The top of the league is beginning to separate itself, as three teams now sit at 3-0. There are plenty of other quality teams though, including All American Poly (who lost a tight FM Home Loans Game of the Week) and Team Kaminetzky (who win a blowout in their season debut).
Gold Seals 49, Lev Ligs 48
After losing an overtime thriller last week, Gold Seals come out on the other side of the drama this week. Mike Natkin of Lev Ligs followed up a strong performance in last week’s win by pouring in 21 points, but it wasn't enough in the end. With the score tied at 48 and under 20 seconds remaining, Chesky Lewin of Gold Seals was fouled on a three-point attempt, and made one of three free throws which proved to be the decisive point, as the Ligs couldn't get a bucket on their final possession. Yoni Bobker led the Gold Seals with 22 points.
Yeshiva League Pass 52, All-American Poly 45
Our FM Home Loans Game of the week was closer than the final score indicated, especially in the first half. Team captains Moshe Heller (YLP) and Ikey Cohen (AAP) alternated dazzling displays of creativity, each leading his team in scoring. After leading by a single point at halftime, League Pass went on a 9-1 run early in the 2nd half and never looked back. YLP improves to 3-0, while AAP, still one of the stronger teams in the league, drops to 1-1.
B-Woods 51, Lobos 18
It didn't look like this would be a blowout in the 1st half. After a 11-0 B-Woods start, Lobos went on a 12-6 run to enter halftime down 17-12. But it was all B-Woods in the 2nd half, outscoring the Lobos by a whopping 34-6 margin. Zack Muller of B-Woods led all scorers with 17 points as his team improves to 3-0. Gabi Singer led Lobos with 10 points as they drop their season opener.
Kaminetzky 51, Papa’s Fried Potatoes 25
Team Kaminetzky made their season debut and immediately looked like a contender for the top of Tier 1. Led by 17 points from Yoel Schreier, Kaminetzky showed veteran savvy in dismantling PFP on both sides of the ball. Papa’s Fried Potatoes tried a balanced attack, but it simply wasn't enough. They followed up last week’s impressive victory with a loss here, dropping to 1-1 on the year.
KMK 47, Ashreinu Holy Bagels 44
Each of these teams entered the night 1-1 on the season and appeared to be evenly matched. KMK built up a double-digit lead, but Ashreinu clawed its way back behind Aaron Weinstock (18 points) and Max Mayerhoff (14). Jaim Magendzo powered KMK to the win with 14 points. The Holy Bagels had a chance to tie it late in the game but missed on a 3-point shot, and that proved to be the difference.
Tommy’s Midrash Shmuel 67, Nesiv Hatorah 21
This one was all Tommy’s as they built a 35-10 halftime lead and never looked back. Yitz Kapetas nearly outscored Nesiv Hatorah all by himself, scoring 20 of his own points for the men from Midrash, who improve to 3-0. Nate Boaz scored 15 of Nesiv’s 21 points as they drop to 1-2 on the season.
Chaburah Cubs 35, Team Piaseczna 30
The Cubs started off up 8-0, and that proved to be pivotal in the outcome of this game. Chatz Katz had nearly half (17) of the winning team’s points as the Chaburah Cubs improve to 1-1 on the year. Team Piaseczna will look to show up earlier going forward, as they drop to 1-1.
Symphony Care Network 56, Kol Hanearim 44
This battle between a pair of teams looking to get into the win column was very much a battle for the first 20 minutes as SCN entered the break with just a single-point lead. But Symphony Care Network was just too much for Kol Hanearim in the 2nd half, pulling away for a 12-point victory. SCN improve to 1-2 on the season while KH is still looking for that elusive first win.