As the Sarachek Tournament marks its 30th year, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable games. These weren’t always the best played and some weren’t even on Monday. But they left a lasting impression and marked milestones.
Hey, maybe we DO need a shot clock!
Frisch 75 HAFTR 73
2015 Championship
Sure, it was the highest scoring game in Sarachek final history but that’s because there were THREE overtimes. Benni Tuchman’s left-handed floater off the backboard and rim with under :05 to play won it for the Cougars, who after four championship game losses would no longer be the Buffalo Bills of Sarachek. But this game will be remembered most for the single-possession 2nd OT where Frisch held the ball all four minutes but managed only a failed 3-pointer at the buzzer.
that’s some front line, but…
Shalhevet 53 Valley Torah 51
2018 Championship
Ryan Turell had already begun to make his home in the MSAC and had finally reached a Sarachek final, this time with two others over 6-foot-4, the Altit twins from Israel. Things were going well for the Wolfpack as they held a 14-point lead at the half but the Firehawks chipped away and won it in overtime behind MVP Zack Muller’s 28 points. It was the first of two straight tourney titles for Shalhevet - after two consecutive losses.
That guy is worth the price of admission….
Valley Torah 90 Talmudical Academy of Baltimore 88
1999 Tier 1 Quarterfinals
This double overtime game was an instant classic, with a packed Friday crowd eager to watch Tamir Goodman in one of his last high school games. He did not disappoint, scoring a tournament-record 53 points that is still the mark today. But the Warriors felt the loss of their injured center and the Edward Gerov-led Wolfpack advanced to the semifinals for the first time.
You’re not in kansas anymore
Hyman Brand H.A. 50 MTA 34
2004 Championship
A perfect blend of toughness, ball handling, shooting and defense made the Rams possibly the greatest team to ever play at Sarachek - and they needed to be since this Lions squad was up there among the best as well.
Weee’rrrre Back!
Valley Torah 55 DRS 45
After a 2-year hiatus, Sarachek resumed and gave us a final for the ages as Valley Torah finally shook off the distinction of Most-Sarachek-Appearances-Without-a-Title. And it’s a defensive play that will be remembered for years to come. DRS used a 15-0 run late in the 3rd, early in the 4th to take its only lead of the game. After a Wolfpack basket, the Wildcats were poised to take back the lead but a breakaway layup off a steal was foiled when Valley Torah’s Johny Dan came out of nowhere to block it. The Wolfpack came down and hit a 3, got a steal and layup and were never threatened again.
Third Time’s a Charm
YULA 50 MTA 44
1998 Championship
After losing in the final two straight years, the Panthers became the first non-Yeshiva League team to win at Sarachek. Eli Hami won tournament MVP after averaging 24 ppg.
Perfect final, perfect season
DRS 47 Shalhevet 32
2016 Championship
Another player who was just starting to get used to the MSAC was the Wildcats’ Gabriel Leifer, who had 16 points and 14 rebounds and was named tourney MVP. DRS became the only team to win Sarachek as part of an unbeaten season (33-0).
Thankfully this wasn’t on a Friday….
MTA 83 Ida Crown 79
2018 Tier 3 Semifinals
The longest game in Sarachek history stretched to four overtimes as the Shlomo Weissberg-coached Lions beat his alma mater.
Backyard rivalry…..3,000 miles from home
YULA 60 Valley Torah 46
2000 Championship
It took nine years, but this one marked the first time there was no Yeshiva League team in the final. And the Panthers dominated after losing to the Wolfpack three times back in Cali. You know what they say? Hard to beat a team four times in one season.
