Eleven elite teams, three thrilling days and the stage was set for an epic duel as the MDY Warriors faced off against the Hillel Heat in the finals at the annual Magen David Pre-Season Tournament. Both teams had plenty of momentum going into the championship game, and were determined to become the victor.
The first half of the game was neck and neck, while neither the hometown Warriors or the Heat were able to take control. At the end of the first quarter, the Heat held the slight advantage with a score of 12-11.
In the second quarter, the Warriors were able to regain control, but only with a minimal lead as the scoreboard displayed the score of 24-22 in favor of the Warriors. During halftime, both coaches emphasized to their players how important the remaining half of the game was, not only for winning the tournament, but also how it would give them momentum heading into the start of the regular season. In the third quarter, both teams would trade leads, as the Heat kept fighting back, ending the third quarter down 37-35.
The fourth quarter was opened by steals by Albert Nsiri and layups for the Warriors. The Warriors would then build on that lead until the final buzzer sounded, resulting in a final score of 59-52.
The Warriors were led by Albert Nsiri scoring a team-leading 16 points, eight rebounds, three steals and three assists; and junior Jo Sultan with 15 points, nine rebounds and five blocks. Hillel was led by Morris Tobias who scored a game high 21.
The Warriors face off against YMA on Sunday October 27, at 7:00 p.m., in their regular season opener at MDY!
By Morris Zarif
