All Categories - AFI Sports

PLAYoff picture is set!

2/20/2017

After a riveting last week of games, the standings are set and the playoffs are ready to begin.

The LA Ballers finished their perfect regular season with a 45-35 victory over Ashreinu. The Tzionim faced ZC’s Lakers which came down to the wire. With some clutch foul shooting by ZC’s Lakers, they were able to hold off the Tzionim with a 32-31 victory. In other games, Chiraq defeated Lochamim to secure a place in Tier 1.

Shore Heart Group defeated the Trumanaires to secure themselves the #2 seed with a 67-58 victory. The Trumanaires, down by 7 at half, mounted a comeback that almost ended in a victory but clutch shooting by Jacob Dauer and Gabe Leifer helped propel Shore Heart Group to the win. The Trumanaires will face ZC’s Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.

Ashreinu played Levinger Magic and squeezed out a victory in OT 63-61, while Ohr Chaim secured the top seed in tier 2 by defeating Rocky Balboa 53-44. Rova Juice secured the #3 slot in Tier 1 by defeating Marhaba Beaches 74-55, while the Thunderhawks also defeated Marhaba Beaches 66-63 to sneak into the 8th seed of Tier 1.

PLAYOFF PREVIEW:
TRUMANAIRES, LA BALLERS, AND SHORE HEART GROUP LEAD THE PACK

As teams head into the final week of the Red & Doctor Murray Israel Basketball league, the playoff picture has taken shape. With the top eight teams making the Tier One Playoffs, three juggernauts lead the field: Trumanaires, L.A. Ballers and Shore Heart.

LA Ballers remain undefeated, and if they keep it up through the playoffs they'll have a perfect season, and take home the Red Auerbach Championship Trophy. But it'll be easier said than done, as the Trumanaires, with legend Yisrael Feld, and Shore Heart Group, behind Gabe Leifer, have each fought hard to stay at the top, just one win behind in the standings.

With one more game remaining in the regular season, the seeding within Tier 1 are completely up in the air, as three challengers, Tzionim, Rova Juice and ZC’s Lakers, could vault into the top 3 seeds.

And no fewer than five more teams are vying this weekend for the final three tickets to the big dance: Chiraq, Ashreinu, Ohr Chaim, Lochamim and Thunderhawks.

The Tier 2 AFI Cup will consist of the remaining 7 teams, with the top team in Tier 2 getting a bye the first round.

Ellkay Earns Championship Trophy; Lobos take on Vince’s Peanuts in AFI Cup.

3/22/2016

By Monty Wayland

In the Championship game of the Red & Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League, top-seed Ellkay completed their undefeated dream season with a resounding 67-54 victory over Old Spice, to take home the Red Auerbach Championship Trophy. Ellkay's statement win came after a Final Four weekend the couldn't have been closer, as buzzer-beaters in both semifinals had the crowd near pandemonium.
Ellkay's Simcha Halpert and Daniel Tzion led the scoring. Halpert's long-range sharp-shooting made him nearly automatic, while Tzion's height, wingspan, and dribbling skills made him virtually unstoppable, as he shot over and around the swarming Old Spice defenders. Indeed, Tzion had made the last-second game-winning floater in overtime of the semi-finals look almost routine, even while weaving past at least three defenders with time about to expire.
Ellkay's attack was complemented by their own version of the "twin towers". In the Ellkay iteration, Adam Liberman filled the role of monster rebounder and post-up shooter. Meanwhile, co-captain Dani Katz was the inside-out threat, punishing teams down low, then popping out for back-breaking threes, as he did to save Ellkay at the end of regulation in the semis.
Tyler Hod, the other co-captain, used speed and smarts at the point guard position, leading Ellkay out to a big lead, and pushing the pace to never let up.
For Old Spice, Jason Allen played big, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Guy Ben-Hanan added 12 points. Old Spice adjusted well after Ellkay's 7-0 opening run, with Sander Eizen and Sam Kalnitz forcing difficult shots for even Ellkay's best offensive threats.
But Benni Tuchman, Moshe Cohen, Jon Greenberg provided all the back-up needed for Ellkay. Tuchman drove the lane for points and big boards, Greenberg used athleticism and a big first step to repeatedly get to the rim, and Cohen's lock-down defense and timely treys kept the game well in hand.
Trailing by 12 at half, Old spice made a push after the intermission, getting as close as a half-dozen, but could never complete the come-back, as Ellkay's tremendously skilled players kept Old Spice at bay. With a few seconds still remaining, the Old Spice players congratulated the new champs, and fans rushed the court to celebrate Ellkay's perfect season.

ELLKAY FACE OLD SPICE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY; LOBOS TAKE ON VINCE’S PEANUTS IN AFI CUP.

By Monty Walyand

The stage is set for this year's Red Auerbach Championship Trophy title game, and emotions are at a fever pitch, after both Semifinal games saw buzzer-beater finishes!

The Teir I semifinal games were ones for the history books.
Top-seeded Ellkay defeated the Nesharim in exciting fashion. The game was a seesaw with no team able to pull away, as the lead seemed to change hands every minute. With under a minute left, Nesharim was able to put together back to back baskets, to take a 3 point lead.
Things looked desperate for Ellkay when the Nesharim came up with a loose ball, and well beyond desperate when, looking to foul or get a steal, they allowed the Nesharim to find the open man for a fast-break and the potential dagger!
After defending the fast-break with little more than a prayer, Ellkay's Tyler Hod raced up the court and got the ball to Captain Dani Katz, in heavy traffic at the three-point line. The Nesharim defenders, aware of Katz's sharpshooting skills, fouled hard in an effort to prevent any shot, but Katz somehow got the ball airborne - and hit the three with one second remaining!
With the raucous crowd in disbelief, Katz went to the line to try and end the game in regulation, but could not convert, and the game went into overtime.
The OT was just as close, with Ellkay taking a four point lead, and Nesharim fighting back and tying the score with 5 seconds left. But Ellkay's Daniel Tzion used a beautiful crossover, and hit a floater just as time expired, to secure the 46-44 victory.
The next semifinal game pitted the ever dangerous Tzionim against the newcomers Old Spice. The game was tight from the beginning, with Tzionim making a small run at the end of the first half, to open up a nine-point lead, behind Shua Zakitinsky’s shooting.
Old Spice then switched to a zone defense, which proved effective, eventually taking a lead on a 3-pointer by Sander Eizen. However, the Tzionim weren’t done, and were able to tie the game with under a minute left.
A jump shot off a screen at the top of the key by Dovid Oratz gave Old spice a 2-point lead with 10 seconds left. With two fouls to give, Old Spice tried to burn the clock - but they mistakenly fouled on a shot attempt, sending marksman Elisha Edelman to the line, with 1 second left!
After Edelman tied the game, Old Spice used their final timeout, to design a play from half-court. Using a double screen, Oratz caught the in-bounding pass while heading deep into the corner, and quickly flung the ball one-handed towards the basket. As the whistle sounded, the ball kissed the backboard and dropped in, to give Old Spice the 47-44 win in regulation!
Old Spice will face the undefeated Ellkay in the championship this Saturday night, with tip-off scheduled for 10 p.m., at the Denmark Gym.

In Teir II, the top seeded Vince’s Peanuts played the #5 Vita Healthcare, and it was a close game the whole way through.
Vita Healthcare Group came out strong and had the lead early in the game, but great unselfish play from Captain Mordy Sheinbein brought Vince’s Peanuts back in the game, with a 2 point lead at half.
The second half saw Vince’s Peanuts playing lock down defense, and they were able to secure a 53-49 victory, to advance to the Teir II championship.
The other Tier II semifinal game showcased the #3 Lobos and t#7 Let’s Dance. The Lobos came out aggressive, and were in control for most of the game. Let’s Dance put together a valiant run toward the end, and came within a deuce, but the Lobos converted on clutch free throws and were able to hold off the challenge, for a 44-38 final tally, and a ticket to the Teir II championship, where they will face Vince’s Peanuts.

FINAL FOUR: TZIONIM FACE OLD SPICE, ELLKAY TAKE ON EVED

By Dovid Oratz

Playoffs in The Red and Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League have begun, and all roads lead to the coveted Red Auerbach Championship Trophy.

In Tier I, all four top seeds advanced to the Semifinals.
Top seeded Ellkay continued to dominate on both offense and defense, showing the league why they’re the 1st seed, with a 51-36 defeat of Eved.
KBKB, who ended their season on a hot streak and made the 5th seed, took on Neshraim, the 4th seed. The game was physical and tight all the way, until Neshraim went on a small run down the stretch, and was able to convert on foul shots to stretch the final margin to 50-40. Nesharim secured their ticket to the semi’s, where they’ll face the ever ferocious Ellkay.
On the other side of the bracket, #3 Old Spice was matched up against #6 Lochamim. Aryeh Sunshine's sharpshooting skills, and the board control of Sam Kalnitz and Jason Allen, fueled an Old Spice victory, 54-45.
The last of the quarterfinals games saw #2 Tzionim, no stranger to the Teir I playoffs, face #7 Tarheels. The Tarheels put up a tremendous fight, rallying again and again, and looked set to complete a comeback with a push in the waning minutes. But the last Tzionim counterattack proved too much, and with a final score of 46-38, Tzionim advanced to face Old Spice in the Semi’s.
In Teir II, R.J.L. legends were going for the rare "8th seed upset", and indeed had the game was tied at halftime. But Vince’s Peanuts opened the second half on an 8-0 run and never looked back, winning 45-37.
Not to be outdone, the second-biggest underdog, 7th-seeded Let’s Dance, pulled off an upset of dramatic proportions, defeating the second seed, Lev Trap House.

Meanwhile, #5 Vita Healthcare Group defeated #4 Shade Control 43-31. And the Lobos advanced as well, defeating OurCrowd 49-21.
Vita Healthcare Group will face Vince’s Peanuts in the Semi’s, while the Lobos now face Let’s Dance.

KBKB IS FIRST TO BEAT OLD SPICE, TZIONIM AND ELLKAY REMAIN UNDEFEATED

by Dovid Oratz

With the regular season heading down the home stretch in the Red and Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League, KBKB knocked Old Spice off their undefeated perch, leaving Tzionim and Ellkay as the last remaining undefeated teams. KBKB's a commanding 50-34 win over their previously perfect opponents served notice around the league that KBKB is a serious contender.

KBKB came out firing, and was up by 17 at the intermission. A second-half Old Spice rally brought it within 7, but a quick "and-1" by Kevin Boker pushed the lead back to double digits, which KBKB maintained until the end.

In other games, the Lobos notched their second straight win, defeating Shade Control 44-32, Eved showed great defense and a balanced attack, to defeat Let’’s Dance 40-25, while the Tzionim defeated Lev Trap House to remain undefeated at the top of the standings.

ELLKAY, TZIONIM, OLD SPICE REMAIN UNDEFEATED

By Dovid Oratz

The Red and Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League passed the midway point, with some teams still undefeated and others fighting for a spot in the tier one playoffs.

Team Ellkay stands undefeated at 5-0, defeating Lev Trap House 68-50. Ellkay has defeated each team they have faced by double digits, and at this point look to be 'the team to beat'.
Two other teams remain undefeated, together with Ellkay. Old Spice are tied for first at 5-0, after a 67-43 victory over Lochamim.
The Tzionim, also undefeated and just half a game out of first after taking a bye, look to add to their 4-0 record this week.
Nesharim edged KBKB 67-62 with a big run late in the 4th quarter to notch their 4th win, and position themselves for a playoff run. Meanwhile, Vita Healthcare Group earned a 41-30 victory over OurCrowd, and the Lobos defeated R.J.L. Legends 48-33.

"RED AND DOCTOR MURRAY'S" ISRAEL BASKETBALL LEAGUE TIPS OFF"

The Red and Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League tipped off this week, with exciting games featuring perennial contenders as well as promising new teams, all vying for the coveted Red Auerbach Championship Trophy.

The Tzionim returned this year with a revamped crew, and opened their season with 47-29 win over Team Young. The 1st half was a close match, but the Tzionim went on a 17-2 run to start the second half and never looked back. Mordy Rudinsky of the Tzionim led all scorers with 25 points while Elisha Addelman added 14.

New teams, Old Spice and Vita Healthcare Group started their season Thursday night, with Old Spice leading a balanced attack with multiple players scoring in double digits en route to a 59-31 victory.
Newcomers the Wolfpack, took care of the returning Vince's Peanuts 39-33.

Lev Trap House played Eved, and it was a very close game to the end, with many lead changes throughout the game. Eved's Elazar Kolom (20 points) and Gidon Neuman (15 pts) kept Eved in the game. However, Lev's athletic ability and monster rebounding from their big men was too much for Eved, as Lev defeated them 58-50.

Ellkay came into their game wanting to show the league that they're in it to win it, with a commanding 71-24 win over Shade Control. Ellkay was led by Simcha Halpert (21) and Jon Greenberg (15)

Nesharim jumped out to a 13-2 lead and although R.J.L. Legends brought it within 9, they were unable to complete the comeback, with Nesharim defeating R.J.L. Legends 54-31. Nesharim was led by Jon Granowitz with 17 pts (three 3's) and R.J.L. was led by Mordy Reisman (17 pts)

As more teams join the league, Everyone is wondering: Who will be the next Champion?

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR UPCOMING SEASON

Registration is now open for the AFI Yeshiva Basketball League!

For info, email afibasketball@gmail.com , or contact the league commissioners:
Yair Smith - 052-286-0076
Dovi Rabinowitz - 050-757-4185 , or at Kraft most Fridays and Saturday nights.

Garden Rigs Take Championship Trophy, CCJ Win AFI Cup

3/14/2015

By Monty Wayland

In an overtime thriller with dramatic swings that made this week's elections look tame by comparison, Garden Rigs came through with a stunning victory, to claim the championship title in the Red and Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League.

Fans stormed the court at the final buzzer, hoisting the Garden Rigs heroes onto their shoulders and the Red Auerbach Championship Trophy into the air, and setting off late-night celebrations among the faithful.

Garden Rigs' worthy adversaries were Ashreinu, and both teams put on a defensive clinic, never once surrendering an easy bucket throughout the night.

Garden Rigs was able to shut down Ashreinu's normally deadly outside shooting, while also preventing their patented athletic cuts to the hoop. Ashreinu, determined to expend no less effort, turned up the defensive pressure, trading steals and huge defensive stops.

Garden Rigs led by a single point at the half, and the second act was more of the same, as neither team was able to go on a run to put the game away.

At the one-minute mark, Ashreinu took a two-point lead, but Garden Rigs answered to tie. With time running out and Ashreinu looking for a buzzer-beater, Garden Rigs came up with their biggest defensive stand of the night, leaving the score deadlocked at the end of regulation.

As the championship game entered overtime, players' and fans' intensity reached a fever pitch, and both teams defenses' looked like they might simply refuse to allow a point. But Duvi Grumet finally found a small sliver of daylight, knocking down a 3-pointer and bringing down the house, to take the lead, 31-28.

Ashreinu would convert on foul shots to cut the lead to one, but was then forced to send Garden Rigs to line. It was Grumet shooting again, this time calmly sinking both free throws. Ashreinu's last-gasp long-range attempt to tie fell short, and Garden Rigs were the 2015 Champs, winning with score 33-30.

Yehoshua Zirman and Bryan Itkowitz notched 10 points apiece for Garden Rigs, while Ashreinu's attack was led by Justin Hod (9) and Bennett Scwartz (8) .

In the Tier 2 AFI Cup finals, top-seeded Vince Peanuts faced the challengers CCJ in the championship game.

CCJ came out strong, and were dominant on the boards, recording 15 team offensive rebounds. David Azancot and Mordy Reisman led the methodical CCJ attack, as the team resisted temptation and did not attempt a single three-pointer for the first three quarters of the game. The strategy seemed to work, as CCJ built an 8-point halftime lead, and looked poised to put the game out of reach.

A furious Vince Peanuts rally threatened the lead late, but CCJ then pulled out an unexpected trump card - 4-for-7 shooting down the stretch, from behind the arc!

The expert stealth marksmanship hurtled CCJ to a 44-28 final margin. Azancot tallied 5 offensive rebounds and 15 points and was named the MVP, and the entire team was presented with the AFI Cup.

BEITAR ADVANCES TO SEMI'S, SHAALVIM EARNS UPSET WIN,

By Dovid Oratz

The playoffs got underway in the Red & Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League, as the chase heated up for the coveted Red Auerbach Championship.

In Tier One, the top four teams all advanced to the semifinals, setting up great semifinals match-ups. Top seed Tzionim took care of business, defeating Jerry’s Kids 50-29. Tzionim will face the fourth seed, Garden Rigs, who had a tougher time against the Beanbags. the underdogs led by 5 at the half, but Garden Rigs came back from the locker rooms firing, with a 19-3 run to start the second half, and nailing down a 56-44 final.

Third seed Ashreinu overcame sixth seed Ubuntu with an incredible team effort. Offensively, three separate players scoring in double digits, while defensively Ashreinu did enough to slow down the Ubuntu attack, earning the 48-39 victory.

The second seed, Beitar Yerushalayim, has perhaps the toughest road in the playoff. In the quarterfinals, they took on the always dangerous Lobos, who put up a hard-fought effort behind the valiant Valansky brothers. Judah Cohen and company held on to win 54-50, setting up one of the most anticipated showdowns, as Beitar faces Ashreinu in the semis. The two teams faced off earlier in the season, with Beitar winning by a solitary point at the buzzer.

In Tier Two, top seed Vince’s Peanuts took on T. Liff Deli 5, in what looked destined to be the post-season's first upset. T. Liff came charging out of the box, scoring 8 unanswered points, and still led by 6 at the half. Vince’s Peanuts chipped away at the score, finally taking their first lead with 5 minutes remaining in the game. T. Liff still wouldn't go down quietly, coming within a deuce, but Vince’s peanuts held on down the stretch to win 44-39.

The second seed, CCJ, also punched their semifinals ticket with a 44-35 win over the 89ers, overcoming 20 points from Menachem “Mini” Solomon, and Feathers of Osedox also advanced, over Lev Aharon. And the long-awaited first upset of the playoffs finally materialized, as Shaalvim stunned A.D.I.,56-48, behind the amazing shooting of Dovie Neuburger and Ezra Teichman.

JERRY'S KIDS, UBUNTU, MAKE PUSH FOR POST-SEASON

By Dovid Oratz

Jerry's Kids and Ubuntu led a pack of teams vying for a spot in the Tier 1 playoffs, in the Red & Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League. Ubuntu defeated A.D.I. 58-31, while Jerry’s Kids got past Vince's Peanuts 62-47

In other games with potential postseason implications, Beitar Yerushalayim earned a victory over Garden Rigs 57-41, the Beanbags defeated Feather of Osedox 45-29 and Vince's Peanuts came out ahead of CCJ 46-31.

Fighting for the pole position, both The Tzionim and Ashreinu remained undefeated, coming down the stretch run of the regular season. The Tzionim edged past the Garden Rigs 54-47, while Ashreinu defeated the Lobos 47-37. The prelapsarian protagonists meet in the regular season finale.

Shaalvim fought hard for a win over 189ers, 35-33. The 189ers bounced back in their next game, with Menachem Solomon going off for 32 points against T. Liff Deli 5, to fuel a 52-47 win.

Meanwhile, Jerry’s Kids squeezed by A.D.I. 48-42, and Lev Aharon defeated T. Liff Deli 5 by the score 60-51.

ASHREINU, A.D.I., WIN DOUBLE-HEADERS

By Dovid Oratz

With the playoff race tightening, Ashreinu and A.D.I each won valuable double-headers, in the Red & Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League.

After a slow start out of the gates, A.D.I put on a 3-point clinic in the second half, to earn a 43-37 comeback victory over CCJ. A.D.I. tallied only 11 points in a defensively-oriented first period, then went 8 for 13 from behind the arc, en route to a 32-point second half.

A.D.I. continued their impressive play, moving closer to a post-season berth by defeating the 189ers, 59-37.

Meanwhile, Ashreinu remained undefeated with a pair of victories. The first was a comfortable 42-27 win over Ubuntu, while the second was a 48-44 shoot-out over Beanbags.

The Tzionim once again showed why they hold the top spot in the standings. Led by Elisha Edelman (18 points, 6 rebounds) the Tzionim shot an incredible 80% from the floor while playing stifling defense, bumping top seeded Beitar Yerushalayim out of the pole position with a "statement win", 57-36.

In other scores, The Garden Rigs displayed great team basketball as they defeated the Lobos 50-41, T. Liff Deli 5 outlasted Shaalvim 53-51, and Lev Aharon held off a late comeback by Ubuntu for a 45-40.

TZIONIM, GARDEN RIGS, STAY PERFECT WITH OT WINS

By Dovid Oratz

In a battle of undefeated teams, Tzionim held off Ellkay in a thrilling overtime finish, while Garden Rigs went beyond regulation to keep their record unblemished, in the Red and Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League.

The Tzionim jumped out to a big 13-1 lead, but Ellkay fought back, led by Yehoshua Zirman and Justin Hod, and at halftime the score was tied at 28 apiece.

The second half was nearly a mirror image of the first, with Ellkay pouring on the points, and with 10 minutes to play Ellkay had a 13 point led of their own. The Tzionim clawed their way back into the game behind the shooting of Yehuda Shuk (20 points), finally tying the score in the waning seconds and sending it to overtime. The extra frame saw Tzionim move ahead, this time just barely holding their lead, for a 51-49 final.

In another overtime nail-biter, the Garden Rigs also defended their undefeated record, grabbing a 34-31 OT win over Ubuntu.

Meanwhile, CCJ came out firing, nearly unseating Beitar Yerushalayim from their undefeated perch, but Mitch Blitman's dominance on the boards was too much to overcome, with Beitar pulling away down the stretch, 58-42, to keep a share of the lead in the standings. And Ashreinu displayed a huge team effort, with every player on the squad scoring, en route to a 73-48 defeat of Feathers of Osedox.

In other scores, Beanbags defeated Vince’s Peanuts 52-29, A.D.I. notched a 35-25 win over T. Liff Deli 5, and Jerry’s Kids returned from their bye week to beat Shaalvim 54-40.

ASHREINU, FEATHERS OF OSEDOX, SURVIVE THRILLERS

In action packed games, Ashreinu survived a nail biter, while The Feathers of Osedox won a fight to the finish with Lev Aharon.

In a back and forth battle, neither Osedox nor Lev Aharon were able to pull away the entire game. Osedox finally emerged victorious, 63-62, surviving a Lev Aharon missed opportunity at the foul line, and successfully defending their one-point lead at the buzzer.

Meanwhile, Ashreinu rallied from a 7 point deficit with under 5 minutes to go, to earn a razor-thin victory over 2xist. The Frenkel brothers hit a barrage of 3’s to fuel the comeback.

In other scores, Vince’s Peanuts held off T. Liff Deli 5 for a 48-36 victory, while Lobos were able to overcome Jerry’s kids for a 46-37 win.

Sredni’s Slammers continued their dominance, defeating A.D.I. 49-22. The Beanbags notched a win over A.D.I., 56-48, and the Garden Rigs defeated CCJ 41-38 to remain unbeaten thus far.

TZIONIM, ELLKAY, WIN BIG

By Dovid Oratz

The Tzionim maintained a perfect record with a win over Vince’s Peanuts, while Ellkay kept pace at the top of the standings, in the Red and Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League.

Tzionim led by 15 after the first quarter and never looked back, cruising to a 58-22 win. The Tzionim were led by Chaim Friendman's strong presence on the boards and Moshe Bietler's expertise controlling the tempo of the game.

The Sredni Slammers continued their winning ways with another impressive victory, this time with a 61-24 landslide over T. Liff Deli 5. The Slammers have outscored their opponents over the past two games by a whopping 117-62 margin.

Two new contenders playing their debut in the league, the Beanbags and the Garden Rigs, faced off, with the Garden Rigs coming out on top in a 33-30 nail-biter. With time winding down the Beanbags had an opportunity to send the game into overtime, but the Garden Rigs' defense held firm, for the victory.

In other scores, Ellkay earned a pair of W's, defeating both the Lobos and an impressive Yula team, 55-35 and 52-35 respectively. Meanwhile, CCJ squeezed out a victory over Solomont with a 35-32 win, and the Feather of Osedox held off 2Xist to grab their first victory.

For all the latest news, schedules and scores, visit www.afibasketball.com . 

"RED AND DOCTOR MURRAY'S" ISRAEL BASKETBALL LEAGUE TIPS OFF"

By Dovid Oratz

The Red and Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League tipped off this week, with exciting games featuring perennial contenders as well as promising new teams, all vying for the coveted Red Auerbach Championship Trophy.

It was a slow start for Jerry's Kids as they went down 14-6 early in the first half, but they rallied back within a point at halftime. In the second half, Jerry's Kids trailed by as many as 10 points, but with only two minutes to play and the score 44-34, Jerry's Kids went on an amazing run, cutting the lead to two points with just 4 seconds on the clock. In the game's waning moments, Jerry's Kids put up a desperation buzzer-beater, but the attept fell short, finally ending the intense battle.

In other action, an undermanned Shaalvim squad nearly got by Lev Aharon, hanging around until the very end. It was a close game the whole way with Shaalvim leading by 3 with two and a half minutes to go, but then Lev Aharon exploded for 10 points in minute, ultimately prevailing. Yisroel Benovitz led the way for Shaalvim with 25 points, while captain Shimmy Savitsky put up 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Next, the YULA team took on the ever so talented Lobos. Even with strong play from Ariel Sokel, the YULA team couldn't match the Lobos, who took the win 64-55.

And newcomers Vince's Peanuts held off Lenik for a 46-40 victory debut.

Playoff Picture All Set

3/5/2014

By Monty Wayland

In the final week of the season in the Red and Dr. Murray's Israel Basketball League, the Morashragas grabbed the highest playoff seed, with wins over two top rivals Lobos and Holy Rollers, 60-48 and 51-42 respectively. The victories kept Morashragas' perfect record intact, leaving them undefeated, and unaccompanied in the rarefied air of the top of the standings.

Morashragas' victims may get a chance at revenge very soon. Lobos earned the number four playoff seed, while Holy Rollers came in at number five. This means the two will meet in the first round of the playoffs, and the team to emerge will be bracketed against the winner of Morashraga's game against the eighth-seeded Chocolatiers.

The number two seed, the Hitminions, earned their spot with a pair of victories as well, to wrap up the regular season, defeating the Chocolatiers 54-46, as well as sixth-seeded Tzionim 55-47. The Hitminions face Cafe Rimon / Packer Shoes in the quarterfinals.

The other quarterfinal on that side of the bracket sees the Tzionim taking on the three seed, Mad Chillers. The two met just last week, in a game that finalized the playoff picture, as Mad Chillers came away with a 64-53 win.

In other action: Israel Sports Exchange 48 - Philips Israel 42; Lobos 48 - Cafe Rimon/Packer Shoes 33 ; Apek / Samsbagels 57 - Philips Israel 50; Cafe Rimon 56 - Trumanaires 33; Uncle Drews 48 Trumanaires 43; Israel Sport's Exchange 64 vs. Mevaseret Mavericks 63

Cafe Rimon Serves Up Winning Dishes

2/12/2014

The Cafe Rimon Packers won a 46-44 thriller over Israel Sports Exchange, dishing up juicy assists to feed their scorers, and moving within a game of first place in the Red and Doctor Murray's Israel Basketball League. Meanwhile, Jay's Mitches came up with a win in their biggest game of the season, to remain neck-and-neck with Sternberg at the top of the leader board.

The win gave Cafe Rimon captain Adam Scharaga an appetite for more. "Some of our opponents thought they could eat our lunch," said Scharaga, "but we turned the tables, and gave them some reservations. Now we just gotta stay hungry."

In an eagerly-anticipated showdown, Jay's Mitches dealt Frosted Flakes their first defeat of the season, with a 49-45 win. The Jay's squad built an impressive double-digit lead, only to see Frosted Flakes rally within striking distance, including two long-range threes in the waning seconds, before time expired. Mitch Blittman scored 11 and Jacob Schapiro tallied 8 for Jay's.

In other action, Sam's Bagels/Apek earned a 59-38 victory over the Mevaseret Mavericks, Sternberg won an offensive road race with Uncle Drews, 70-54, while the Chocolatiers used the proverbial "tenacious defense" to close out Philips Israel, 42-29.

Lobos moves to front of pack, Philips Israel shaves lead

2/6/2014

The Lobos moved to within half a game of first place, and Philips Israel also cut the distance to the lead with a big win, in the hunt for the AFI Basketball League's Red Auerbach Championship Trophy.

Dylan Cooper, Gil Piwko, and Ethan Cooper combined for 28 points, as Philips Israel edge the Mevaseret Mavericks, 38-32. Josh Altman and Dylan Cooper helped build a 12-point lead for Philips Israel shortly after the intermission. The Mavericks climbed back within four, with under five minutes remaining, but the Philips Israel defense held strong for the win.
The Philips defense was impressive throughout the game, particularly in the 3-2 zone, forcing traps and tougher shots than those allowed in man coverage. Dylan Cooper grabbed 5 steals, and Mikhael Smits added an incredible 7 blocked shots. Smits also led the rebounding with 8, while Ethan Cooper and Piwko grabbed 7 apiece.

Nissi Merenstein's 16 points and Gavriel Velentzky's 15, fueled the Lobos' 61-44 win over the Mevaseret Mavericks - but perhaps the biggest story of the game was the emergence of Mavericks shooting guard Michael Sagi.
Sagi racked up 30 points on virtually unstoppable outside shooting. Starting by finding daylight on running jumpers, which he knocked down with deadly accuracy, he quickly convinced the Lobos they had to do whatever necessary to deny him a good look at the hoop. Undeterred even then, Sagi shifted to contested three-pointers, and still couldn't seem to miss.
Lobos finally pulled away, thanks largely to clutch defense by Meshulem Novacellar, including a block and several steals, one of which he converted to a three-pointer to put the game away.

The Tzionim earned a win over Sam's Bagels/Afek, 49-32, as Chaim Friedman controlled the paint on both ends of the court, with 16 points on dominant inside shooting, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks.
The Tzionim opened things up with a 15-2 run at the end of the half. Guard Shloime Liff provided the spark with 6 straight points, among his 10 on the night, including a dazzling 360 reverse layup. Moshe Beitler and Yehuda Shuck had 10 points apiece, and Elisha Adelman scored 9, adjusting well to his new role as power forward.
Sams Bagel's 3-point sharpshooter Menachem Greenberg notched 15 points, and Michael Shamsayev had 12.

In the week's biggest nail-biter, the Jays hit the game winner with 8 seconds left, then held on defensively, for a heart-stopping 51-50 win over Sharaga. The Jays repeatedly extended their lead to 8 or 10, only to see the resilient Shraga crew rally to within a bucket. With under a minute left, Sharaga took their first lead of the game with a fearless three-pointer, to go up 50-49, but the Jays didn't fold under pressure, coming away with the slimmest of victories.
Michael Hakakian led all scorers with 15 points, Josh Ottensoser put up 14, and Judah Cohen had 8. For Sharaga, Schreier and Kafka had 14 apiece, while Sharaga and Lautman had 10.

An injured Sheldon "Boogie" Rubin (ankle) still managed to lead Uncle Drew's, with 19 points, 5 blocks and 4 steals, in their 55-35 win over Flint Tropics.
Eliyahu "Yahoo" Klein and Josh "Birdman" Bergman set up shop in the paint, with Klein achieving his first career double-double on 21 points and 11 rebounds.
JJ "Melo" Berman ran the offense with precision, and shot 5 for 6 from beyond the arc to give the Drews an early lead which they would never relinquish. Akiva Topper keyed the U.D. defense.

Hirsch Toasts Sam's Bagels, Tzionim State: Here to Stay

1/23/2014

By Monty Wayland

In a stunning sequence in their game's final 90 seconds, Hirsch completed an 8-point rally to defeat Sam's Bagels/Afek, while the Tzionim's "statement game" established them as a real contender, in the "Red and Dr. Murray's" Israel Basketball League.

Team Hirsch, trailing by 4, drained a 3-pointer with just a minute and a half remaining, then came up with a steal, and hit another 3-pointer to take the lead. Two clutch free throws accounted for the 41-37 final margin.

"With our offense's great spread, we thought were locks," said a rye Michael Shamsayev of Sam's, putting a good face on the Bagels offering. "We even led to the tuna' four points, but thanks to some great dishes they served us up on treys."

For Sam's Bagels, point guard Oliver Borr set the table for Shamsayev team-leading shooting, while Avidan Elgavi's unrelenting energy and Aytan Kamienny's monster block down the stretch led the defense.

In other action, it was a meeting of league powerhouses, as Tzionim combined outside marksmanship with great penetration to pull away from Lobos, 57-44. The win placed Tzionim at the top of the standings, tied with Frosted Flakes, who continued to impress with a 92-39 victory over Flint Tropics. Meanwhile, LeVian defeated Uncle Drew's 45-28.

“RED AND DR. MURRAY’S” ISRAEL BASKETBALL LEAGUE TIPS OFF

1/15/2014

The “Red and Dr. Murray's” Israel Basketball League tipped off this week, with a dozen teams looking to bring home the coveted Red Auerbach Championship Trophy.

On opening night, the veterans of Lobos took on newcomers Sam's Bagels/Apek. Lobos, whose quest for back-to-back titles was foiled in a thrilling championship game last season, began their campaign with a 42-25 victory. In a notably balanced attack, Nissi Merenstein, Yitz Spitz, Gav Valensky, and Meshulem Novacellar, tallied 10, 9, 8, and 7 points, respectively. Michael Shemsayov and Rabbi Yaacov Weisman led Sam's Bagels with 8 apiece.

In other opening week action, the Tzionim's Elisha Adelman and Chaim Friedman produced 16 points apiece, palindromically prevailing over Hirsch, 52-25. Meanwhile, Frosted Flakes defeated the Mevaseret Mavericks 65-34, in a game that made league observers stand up and take notice. The LA-based squad, whose iteration last season came within one shot of the finals, became an instant insider favorite, showcasing their athleticism throughout the encounter. Aryeh Eastman and N. M. Koolyk were the stars of the engagement.

Premium Kosher Beef steaks their claim

2/10/2013

With the playoff race heading down to the wire this weekend, Premium Kosher Beef moved into the thick of the playoff race, with a pair of wins in the Red & Doctor Murray’s Israel Basketball League, including a dramatic 47-45 triumph over the Shnuggets.

Premium Kosher used a combination of smart defense, good shot selection, and of course, choice cuts. “We don’t follow the heard, and we’ve got our own brand,” said Premium Kosher Beef captain Manny Topas. “When it comes to basketball, our team is a lot like a grade-A steak - in this medium, it’s rare to find things so well done”.

In other close games, Flint Tropics edged KIVA 55-52, and Lobos came away with a 40-37 nail-biter over Wildes and Weinberg. Ashreinu meanwhile defeated Rap City 66-29, and BMT Alumni beat Amp Cellular 53-24.

In the battle for the top playoff seed, City of Gold kept the top spot, with a 68-52 win over previously-undefeated OJ. City of Gold and can clinch the pole position with a win over Lobos – whereas a Lobos victory could create a tie-breaker scenario.

Café Rimon Serves Up Great Dishes

1/9/2013

By Monty Wayland

Café Rimon used great court vision and ball movement, dishing out plenty of assist to win a thrilling 41-38 game over the Atoms, in the Red & Dr. Murray’s Israel Basketball League. Captain Manny Topas credited Café Rimon’s exemplary teamwork with the victory.

“We’re always looking to dish, to set the table for each other,” said Topas, predicting that more wins were on the menu. “This was merely the appetizer. As long as we play hungry, our opponents will get their just desserts.”

Meanwhile, in a showdown between league leaders Lobos and KIVA, Lobos surged to the top of the league standings with a 49-33 victory. Nissi Merenstein led the Lobos attack with 17 points, on his trademark quick-release shooting, Yitz Stein attacked the rim from all angles for a dozen points, and Lazer Liff’s 10 included a couple of dagger three-pointers.

Daniel Macks led KIVA’s scorers with 13 points, with 9 coming from beyond the arc, while Kolya Miller and Ari Silberstein tacked on 8 apiece.

Sharing the league lead is Wildes & Weinberg, winners once again of a shoot-out, this one over The Big Smush, 73 – 65. Yisroel Solomon racked up 20 points for W&W, Matt Reich had 19 including three treys, Yossi Halpert scored 17, and Josh Wildes had 9. Halpert and Wildes each hit clutch free throws down the stretch to secure the victory. For The Big Smush, Avi Kaye scored 16 points, and JJ Donner and Orin Schwartz notched 15 apiece.

Also at the top of the crowded league standings are OJ, after their 72-66 defeat of “BMT 83-84 Alumni”.

In other action, Flint Tropics defeated the Heartburns 52-33, Blood Sweat and Beers rolled the Holy Ballers 68-31, and Trumanaires outpaced Ashreinu 60-44.

Author

Monty Wayland is a journalist whose work is syndicated by the GAN News Network, and featured in media including The Jerusalem Post and Ha’aretz.
His latest book, co-authored with Figmentov Uri Magination, is “Fourth-and-T’fachim: What the NFL and the Babylonian Talmud Teach Us About the Dynamic Tension Between Technocratic and Substantive Systems of Codification, and Life”.

Archives

February 2017
March 2016
March 2015
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
February 2013
January 2013

Categories