The 6th Annual Willner Tournament
January 31 – February 3, 2008 – Yeshivat Rambam hosted three New York area schools for the 6th Annual Willner Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament. This innovative four day program of Torah and basketball, which included a Shabbaton for Parshat Mishpatim, was a fitting tribute to the memory of Mr. Gerald Willner z”l who was better known as Zaidie to us all.
The stage was set for an exciting four days. Red Storm came into the tournament with a historic 47-41 first time win against Beth Tefiloh on January 5 and a heart-breaking 47-46 loss against the powerful Charle E. Smith JDS team in Rockville on January 12 under their belt and was looking very good for the tournament.
Red Storm's historic win against Beth Tefiloh
Teams from Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn, North Shore Hebrew Academy in Great Neck, and Rambam Mesivta in Lawrence, made the trip down to Baltimore and arrived in the evening of Thursday, January 31 and things got underway with maariv followed by dinner provided Tov Pizza.
The games began shortly thereafter as Magen David took on North Shore in a close game that would set the tone for a terrific tournament. After Magen David had pulled out the win, it was time for the home team to take the court. A packed house was on hand and they were eager to see how the Red Storm would fare against the teams from New York. As the game got underway it appeared that Rambam Mesivta would put up quite a fight but after shrugging off the pregame jitters, YR began to roll as the defense would not allow Rambam Mesivta to stay in the game. After trailing 10-6 the Red Storm finished off the half with a 34-5 lead to take command of the game. The second half was much of the same as the YR cruised to a 71-28 victory. Every YR player scored in the game led by Shulie Hochman’s 20 points.
On Friday morning the teams, and the entire Middle School and High School, were treated to red frosted donuts sponsored by Rabbi and Dr. Shloush in honor of the Red Storm basketball team. Another treat was in store following breakfast as local basketball star Tamir Goodman came to show the students a video and speak about his inspiring story. The teams then made their way over to the JCC to get ready for the morning’s games.
Up first was North Shore vs. Rambam Mesivta. Both teams were coming off of loses and were looking for a win to get back into the tournament but Rambam Mesivta was no match as North Shore ran away with the game. The second game of the day featured Yeshivat Rambam vs. Magen David with the winner all but securing a spot in Sunday’s championship game. It was obvious from the beginning that Rambam’s stifling defense would control this game as Yisrael Katz took 4 charges and put Magen David’s best players in foul trouble. Despite not being great on the offensive side, the Red Storm managed to get enough offense as they shot 20-26 from the free throw line and got 3 three-pointers from Adam Neuman. The final score was YR 50 Magen David 32.
On Friday night the teams were joined for davening and Shabbat dinner by Rav Pheterson and family as well as Rav Lubetski. Following dinner and zmirot, Rav Pheterson delivered a shiur after which everyone went back home to get some much-needed sleep. Following davening on Shabbat morning, Rav Shore delivered a shiur after which he and his family stayed for lunch. The afternoon was spent relaxing and making friends. Rav Posy joined the teams for mincha and seudah shlishit during which he delivered a shiur.
Motzei Shabbat brought more basketball with each team still fighting to play for the championship on Sunday. Magen David and Rambam Mesivta kicked off the night with Magen David winning easily. Up next was YR vs. North Shore. YR opened up the game and took a commanding lead early but was unable to make it stick as North Shore took control in the 3rd quarter. Yisrael Katz continued to draw the charges, 5 in the game, and Shaya Katz got into it too, with 2 charges, as YR put North Shore in serious foul trouble. Throughout the game Adam Neuman, 16 points and 3 three-pointers, and Jeremy Sykes, 12 points, led the offense but with less than 5 minutes to play, Shaya Katz and Ari Raskas took over as Shaya, who had been held scoreless to that point, scored 11 points, including 2 three-pointers, to bring YR back to tie the game. With 30 seconds left, Ari Raskas intercepted a North Shore pass and scored to give YR a two point lead. Shaya added 2 foul shots and the Red Storm won 70-66 in what was the most exciting game of the tournament. Five players scored in double figures for the Red Storm led by Adam Neuman.
Sunday was a day full of surprises and it was not just the outcome of the Super Bowl. The morning got underway with Rambam Mesivta taking on North Shore. Despite having been blown out by North Shore earlier in the tournament, Rambam Mesivta was determined to take this one and, led by the strong play of all-tournament player Jeremy Siegle, they pulled off the upset to take 3rd place.
The championship game was a rematch of Friday’s game between Magen David and YR. This time Magen David went up early, 9-2, but YR quickly came and took the lead. Yisrael Katz continued to put people in foul trouble by taking 6 more charges and YR was in control throughout the game leading by as many as 10. However with 5 minutes to play, Magen David brought its best player, tournament MVP Eddie Gindi, back into the game and he caught fire scoring 15 points and dishing off 2 assists as YR was unable to stop him. YR was dealing with foul trouble of its own and could not find the offense to match Gindi’s explosion as Magen David went on to win 60-49. Yisrael Katz and Ari Raskas earned all-tournament honors for the Red Storm.
Red Storm Willner Tournament team
Following the awards ceremony and lunch the teams said their goodbyes and were on their way back to New York.
Despite not winning the tournament, the Red Storm enjoyed a wonderful weekend made possible by so many great volunteers. The Red Storm would like to thank Mrs. Sandy Willner and Dr. Sam and Mrs. Karen Pottash without whom the tournament would not be possible. Thank you also to Dr Shloush, Rav Lubetski, and the entire Yeshivat Rambam administration for all their work. Thank you to the Yeshivat Rambam faculty for putting up with the missed classes and for coming out to the games to show support. Thank you to all the host families and the tournament sponsors. Most of all thank you to all the students, parents, family, and friends who came to the games because the atmosphere was amazing!
Thank You From Mrs. Sandy Willner & Family
We cannot believe that we celebrated the Sixth Annual Willner Varsity Boys Basketball Tournament two months ago. With the overwhelming support of Yeshivat Rambam’s Administration, School Staff, Parents and Students, this annual event has taken on a very special life of its own.
The Shabbaton Weekend has become a total living experience of the philosophy of the school and the midot taught on a daily basis. It combines Torah and Secular experiences playing out in learning together, making new friends, and competing with “Derech Eretz.” We are very proud of our Red Storm Boys Team. They are truly a Kiddush Hashem on and off the court.
Thank you all again for making this weekend the experience that was envisioned by “Zaidie Jerry” Willner. The enthusiasm, spirit, willingness for others to help whenever needed was very much appreciated and makes the event the success it is.