The Wildcats refused to lose to a Cougar, an animal they beat for the second time in a week.
After watching their heroes defeat the Frisch Cougars in the play-in game, but fall to the Shalhevet Firehawks in the Tier I quarterfinals,
DRS fans started this game with chants of "July is better than August." That chant was to taunt Berman's sophomore sensation, Alex August, who subdued them with a three-point barrage propelling the Cougars to a commanding double-digit lead with 18 points by halftime.
DRS defeated Berman to reach the Tier II semifinals. (Photo Credit: MacsLive)
However, the Wildcats adjusted their defensive zone strategy in the second half, effectively shutting down August, who went scoreless and caused Berman's offense to stall. Despite the defensive pressure, Joe Aaron led DRS with 17 points, finding ways to penetrate the Cougars' press defense and score crucial layups to keep his team in the game. Aidan Buchbinder also stepped up with 15 points, delivering key buckets when it mattered most. The turning point came in the fourth quarter, where DRS outscored Berman 20-8, securing their spot in the Tier II semifinals against Valley Torah on Sunday.