HAFTR HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Sometimes the best way to bring people together is to dive into an intense athletic competition. Regardless of the team, the venue, or the turf, everyone shares the same passion for the game and sports. On Thursday night, February 2, the HAFTR Girls Varsity basketball team played against the Flatbush Falcons, which was not only the final regular season game for HAFTR High School, but also the kickoff game to the HAFTR Invitational Girls Varsity Tournament. Both teams fought hard throughout the course of the game. Each showed adept skill, teamwork, and school spirit. Although HAFTR initially tied the game, with just a few seconds left on the buzzer, Flatbush was fouled. Despite the pressure of making the shot, they hit both free throws from the foul line, ultimately taking the win. The competition continued, and on Friday all the teams participating in the tournament played two games. This allowed for each team to be seeded for playoffs which were scheduled to begin Saturday night

With Friday evening rapidly approaching, and after two days of intense basketball, it was time to take a break and get ready for the start of Shabbos Despite the competitive nature of the tournament, once the sun went down, all teams joined together to welcome Shabbos The team members, coaches, and chaperones gathered at HAFTR High School for the start of a beautiful Shabbos together Following a warm Friday night davening, HAFTR hosted a delicious dinner Throughout the meal, one player from each team shared a Dvar Torah, each girl delivering a unique message to uplift and inspire the group To conclude the night, the girls participated in an icebreaker allowing players from different schools to meet one another. Shabbos morning began with a meaningful davening followed by a tasty lunch. The afternoon was filled with a competitive game of Minute to Win It, and time to relax and spend time together before the tournament resumed.

With the end of Shabbos came the continuation of the games. Saturday night began with a 2-ball competition where two players from each team were chosen to represent their team in an intense game. Congratulations to the Maayanot Rapids on the well-deserved win! Following this exciting competition, playoffs began where only the winning team from each game would move on to the next round, which would take place on Sunday morning. The team that won this round would move on to battle in the championship game. After two tough games, the HAFTR Hawks and Flatbush Falcons were eliminated, leaving the Berman Cougars to face the Maayanot Rapids in the championship Sunday afternoon. Both teams fought hard till the end, but it was the Berman Cougars who claimed victory.

Congratulations to all of the participants This tournament gave players an opportunity to connect and form friendships with people from other schools while enjoying a weekend full of basketball Special thanks to Athletics Director Mr Joey Hoenig and Ms Ilona Diamond, Coordinator of Student Programs, for their hard work and tireless efforts to make this such a successful and inspiring tournament!