The Noam Knights sixth grade boys’ basketball team completed an undefeated season this past Monday night with a win in the championship over the SAR Sting, by a score of 45-38.

The team faced adversity during the regular season, facing some very tough competition and losing starting point guard Max Schachter to injury after their second game. Nonetheless, different players stepped up throughout the year and the Knights persevered, en route to an 8-0 season.

Noam beat Westchester Day School in the first round of the playoffs and faced off against Yavneh in the semi-finals. It was an exciting game until the end, but the Knights emerged with a hard fought two point victory.

The championship game would be a rematch of Noam’s first game of the season, when they beat SAR. The Knights started out the game firing on all cylinders, thanks to early 3-pointers by Yonatan Halstuch and Ben Zion Keiser, leading to a commanding 12-2 lead. But the Sting came right back, led by guard Sam Weiss and took a three point lead going into the half.

Once again the Knights showed perseverance as they were not discouraged from blowing the early lead. Dovid Saks opened up the second half with a game-tying 3 pointer, helping shift the momentum back in Noam’s favor. Saks and forward Eyal Kinderlehrer led the way, combining for 22 second half points (11 each) as Noam steadily built a lead. Both teams played tough defense and exhibited hustle and grit throughout the game, but when all was said and done the Knights came out victorious.

The team’s success was a clear reflection of their leadership. Their coach, Rabbi Yosef Weinberger with his calm and cool demeanor always sets a great example for his team. Not only did he teach basketball and help the boys excel at the game they love, but he exemplified what it means to be a true mensch both on the court and beyond. Yeshivat Noam would like to thank coach Yosef for an outstanding championship season

Congratulations to Eyal Kinderlehrer, Dovid Saks, Ben Zion Keiser, Yitz Goldstein, Yonatan Halstuch, Avraham Schur, Binyamin Sheinfeld, Eli Schwartz, Shia Forgash, Judah Melzer, Max Schachter, coach Yosef Weinberger and manager Ari Katz.