Double Time

Both 6th and 7th Grade boys basketball teams win championships.

For the second straight year, the Boys 7th Grade Basketball team captured the Metropolitan Jewish Day School Basketball Championship, defeating HALB, 42-34. The Flatbush Falcons jumped out to an early lead and never trailed, using a balanced attack and relentless defense to take the victory.

“Our game plan was to do what we have been doing all year — focus on being the best we could be defensively. Proud of our guys for how hard they go in practice. I think that fueled us to get off to a good start tonight,” shared Coach Abie Rosow.

Joe Barnathan led the team with 16 points, Jacob Bucobza added 14, Jacob Levy 5, Joseph Feldman 4 and Ray Betesh 3.

“We relied on our defense and our poise to hold the lead,” continued Coach Rosow. “We didn’t get rattled when things didn’t go our way. Staying composed and ‘next play’ mentality has been stressed all year”.

When asked about the team’s focus on winning the championship from day one, Coach Rosow concluded, “What we talk about with the team is the journey and the process and doing things the right way day in and day out – the results will take care of itself.”

But the 7th graders weren’t alone in their drive for a championship win. The 6th Grade Boys Basketball Team defeated YHT, 65-60, in overtime, before a packed crowd at North Shore High School.

Morris Ashear powered the Falcons with a game high 26 points but did not do it alone.

Elliot Azar’s three-point basket at the start of overtime gave Flatbush the lead and they did not relinquish it. “It was definitely our toughest and most challenging game of the season,” said winning Coach Gus Kennedy. “All of our guys played with so much heart and resiliency. They refused to lose, especially to a well-coached and talented team like YHT.”

Flatbush lost only one game all season and the Falcons’ fans and supporters surrounded the team in celebration when the buzzer sounded.

“I’m so proud of our team and of the commitment they and their parents made to earn a championship. For many of them, it’s the first team they’ve ever played on so now they understand what it takes to be successful,” added Coach Kennedy.