By Betzalel Vanderhoof and A. R. Mandelbaum
With a slate of closely contested games, only three teams remain undefeated in the FM Home Loans Israel Basketball League.
Chovat Piasecznas vs. Symphony Care Network
This was the matchup of the week that everyone was waiting for. The game featured two teams looking to stay undefeated, with Chovat Piasecznas entering atop the standings at 4-0, and Symphony Care Network with a perfect 3-0 record of their own.
Chovat’s Ze’ev Remer and Jesse Spear came to play, as the dynamic duo combined for a colossal 41 points, on Remer’s 21 and Spear’s 20. The game was tight most of the way, with Chovat pulling away with a run at the end, to win 55-38 and maintain a hold on first place, as they moved to 5-0.
Regah Ventures vs. Deco Gears Musketeers
Regah Ventures and Deco Gears Musketeers faced off in an exciting week 5 match-up. Regah came out of the tight battle with a 53-47 victory, and had contributions across the board. Three Regah players were in double figures, as the team played a strong fundamental game throughout.
Chaikel Schwimmer scored a team-high 17 points, utilizing 4 three-pointers to get there. Shimmy David was right behind him, with 3 three-pointers and 13 points. Aaron Mizrachi had 11 points, on near-perfect shooting. The Musketeers had many contributors as well, led by Elliott Dweck’s game-high 20 points, and Joe Sultan’s 11. Regah Ventures moved to within a game and a half of first place.
Derech Etz Chaim vs. Demi-Glaze
Derech Etz Chaim looked to continue their winning ways this week, and did just that, beating Demi-Glaze 60-41 and keeping pace with the leaders in the standings. DEC’s Zevi Samet balled out, dropping an astounding 23 points with four three-pointers to lead the team, while Yisroel “T-bomb” Tenenbaum helped out with 8 points, including a pair from downtown, and stellar defense. Demi-Glaze had a balanced game with everyone putting in something to help their cause. The win moved Derech Etz Chaim into second place.
Neveh Fighters vs. Samet Team
Samet Team came out firing and never let up, with great performances from Mordy Kirschner and Dan Melnik. Kirschner was constantly finding open shots or taking the ball to the hoop, and finished with 16 points, adding several big assists. Melnik was one of the beneficiaries of Kirschner’s largesse, converting those opportunities into 13 points. The final score was 57-15 as Samet Team pick up the win. Neveh had a nice outing from Leib Blumberg who accounted for 7 of their points.
SINAI Schools vs. Aish Heat
SINAI moved within two games of the top of the standings with a 56-32 win, as Yonah Tarzik led a balanced team effort with 17 points, Danny Weinberger and Aryeh Hirt each notched 9, Eli Sudwertz put up 7, and Tani Engel and Gavi Domsky scored 6 apiece. Avery Sterner paced the Heat with 12.
Tubi Titans vs. Cyclone Investment Group
The Tubi Titans faced their toughest challenge to date, but remained undefeated with a razor-thin 49-47 victory. Steven Levien led the Titans with 21 points, and Jojo Velenski scored 9, as the high-spirited Tubi squad defended their pole position.
The Cyclones remain within striking distance of the leaders, just two games out of first place after the near-miss. Jackie Swaid scored 19 points for Cyclone, while Jackie Haber added 16.
The Vikings vs. Baba Sali’s
In yet another game with a one-score margin, the Vikings edged out Baba Salis, 45-43. Ezra Sicklick scored 19 points for the Vikings, while Daniel Totaic added 10, as the Shaalvim squad moved with 2 games of first place
The Baba Sali’s Judah Klein led all scorers, with a scorching 23 points.
Midrash Ballers vs. Big Ballers
Nat Assayag scored 9 of his 21 points from beyond the arc, to lead Midrash to the 37-34 victory.
Ikey Yedid had 9 points, and David Ohana 8, for the Big Ballers.
Underdogs vs. Yeshiva League Pass Shaya’s
Eitan Guzman knocked down three treys among his 13 points, helping the Underdogs to the tautological upset victory, 46-42.
Benji Dan’s 15 points, Josh Krause’s 10, and Yoni Berg’s 7 , weren’t enough, but the injury-plagued YLP Shaya’s look set to return to full strength, in time to defend their championship title with a playoff run.
BMoney Cards vs. Hebrwoos
BMoney remained undefeated with a 59-48 victory, as Eli Jesselson scored 15, and Yosef Zakon and Jason Zuker had a dozen each. Moshe Klein’s 9 points led the Hebrwoos.
Toras Chaim vs. Samet Team
Toras Chaim and Samet Team played in the closest game of the week, with the result coming down to the last play, as TC managed to pull it out 33-32.
In yet another gritty game, which is becoming a hallmark of their season, Toras Chaim played great defense all game long, combined with smart fundamental offense and a balanced attack. Yitzy Stern was the team leader with 10 points, while Jack Jacobowitz added 8. Samet Team had good games from Mordy Kirschner, who gave them 7, and Dan Melnik who pitched in 6 and anchored a great team defense.
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