The boys and girls Hebrew Academy Varsity Basketball teams were granted the amazing opportunity to attend the tenth annual Steve Glouberman Tournament. This tournament is held by Shalhevet High School in Los Angeles.
The Warriors enjoyed this trip and fought tough opponents as a way to not only work together on the court but also strengthen their bonds. The trip also included restaurant outings and shopping--a chance for players to get to know each other better.
Departing on Wednesday morning, November 6th, both teams flew into LAX and when they landed, loaded up the vans for the weekend. Straight from the airport, the teams went out for lunch; the girls headed to Nagila Pizza and Coffee Bean while the boys headed to Jeff’s Gourmet Sausage Factory.
The boys and girls then headed to the Westside JCC for a short practice to warm up for the next day's games. They were then dropped off at each of their hosts’ houses, having time to shower and relax before quickly stopping at Jeff’s Gourmet Sausage Factory for dinner and heading back to Shalhevet to watch the first games of the tournament, as both Warriors teams wouldn’t be playing until the following day (Thursday). After watching several games, the teams went back to their host houses to rest up for the long day ahead.
On Thursday morning, the girls’ team played against Frisch. Despite the Lady Warriors’ strong effort, the Frisch girls ultimately beat the Lady Warriors. Following this, the Warriors gathered to watch the boys fight against Ramaz but ultimately fall short of a win.
The Lady Warriors rested up to prepare for their next game versus Ramaz, as well. The girls performed tremendously, but once again fell short to the Ramaz Rams.
After this, the girls once again watched the male Warriors play SAR. Despite their tough attempt, the SAR Sting came out on top.
O Wednesday night, the Lady Warriors participated in a “play-in” game versus the Berman Cougars. While the Warriors went home to freshen up before the barbecue, the Lady Warriors stayed at Shalhevet.
All fifteen tournament teams met at Shalhevet for the barbecue, where the student-athletes socialized, enjoyed delicious food, listened to speakers, learned about Steve Glouberman Z”L, and came together for a meaningful Kumzitiz.
Immediately following this, the Lady Warriors pushed through their exhaustion from their two earlier games, and beat the Berman Cougars, enabling them to advance to Friday’s games. Players then finally returned home for the night.
After all of the teams’ seeds were calculated, the playoffs began on Friday. The Lady Warriors played SAR but couldn’t secure the win, eliminating them from the tournament. The boys’ team played tough against the Frisch Cougars, but also lost, eliminating them, too.
Throughout the rest of the day, the Warriors watched other games and hung out with each other as well as players from the other schools.
The girls stopped at the Grove to shop followed by lunch. Then, both teams went home to prepare for Shabbat.
Shabbat was very exciting, as each of the Hebrew Academy teams was hosted by LA families for a generous and delicious dinner. The girls were accompanied by both Mrs. Manne and Mrs. Yusupov, while the boys got to eat with Coach Harrison and Rabbi Manne.
After dinner, all of the tournament participants made their way to the Young Israel of Century City (YICC) for the annual social Shabbat Oneg.
Finally, the girls and boys, safely guided by chaperones, headed to their host homes for the night.
Shabbat day began with a beautiful davening at YICC followed by a nice Kiddush and lunch. After this, players were free for the rest of the day to socialize and rest up for the final games taking place on Saturday night.
Once Shabbat ended, although both Warriors teams were eliminated, players, parents, and Hebrew Academy (non-players) seniors who came to support the Warriors were still very proud of how far both teams came, and how well they played throughout the entire tournament.
To celebrate the efforts of the Warriors, some team members went to enjoy frozen yogurt. Following this, the Warriors and many other teams made their way to a fully packed Shalhevet gym to watch the anticipated and nerve-wracking championship games. For the girls, it was Frisch versus SAR; for the boys, Shalhevet versus YULA. After an intense game, and ultimate defeat by Shalhevet, all players headed to their host homes for the last time to shower and pack for the return to Miami the next early morning.
All of the basketball players feel very lucky to have been able to participate in this incredible tournament and are looking forward to the season ahead.
Go Warriors!
By: Tova Bossewitch (11th) and Eliana Wolfson (11th)
留言