The Hillel Heat won their first Magen David Tournament championship, pulling away in the 4th quarter to beat the DRS Wildcats 74-63 in Sunday’s championship game.
The JHA-season opening tournament each year is in memory of Elliot Torkieh, A’H.
Aaron Gindi led the Heat (5-0) with 17 points.
The Wildcats (4-1) overcame an early injury to top player Elisha Tsaidi to stay with the Heat through 3 1/2 quarters, led by Dani Gast’s 25 points.
Hillel relied on balanced scoring and defense throughout the tournament. Jason Zekaria averaged 14 points per game and Abe Franco and Joe Mizrahi each averaged more than 12.
The title game win completed a hot start for the Heat under first-year coach Brian Jensen. They were the top seed after beating HAFTR and HANC in last Sunday’s preliminary round. They beat YDE in the quarterfinals and Western Conference rival Ramaz in the semis.
Hillel plays TABC and MTA in their first league games before heading to the Memphis Yeshiva Invitational Oct. 28. DRS does not open league play until Nov. 7 against HANC.