The third-ranked Flatbush Falcons entered the locker room in a dogfight tied at 21 with the eleventh seeded Beth Tfiloh Warriors. Coach Matt Malc lit into these boys in the locker room, and they emerged victorious 73-43. Beni Keda led the charge with 26 points and 16 rebounds. Isaac Cooper and Jacob Haddad combined for 16 points with eight apiece, and Ronnie Chaaya’s 11 points.
Beni Keda and the Flatbush Falcons took care of the Beth Tfiloh Warriors and advance to the Tier I semifinals. (Photo credit Sarah Soussan / ssphotography.57 on IG)
These Falcons players and coaches knew it was a great team playing on the level of a good team. Adjustments were needed both tactically and mentally. They had to dive more on loose balls, hit open shots, and mix things up defensively by sending four in a low triangle.
They executed better in transition and in defending ball reversals. They were better in boxouts and closeouts. Most importantly, they proved how superior they were to almost everyone else in the tournament field. They ripped off a 16-0 run, aided by double technicals from Beth Tfiloh. Beni Keda took things over, nearly posterizing someone in the paint as part of his dominant performance. Defensively, he was block city along with Solly Gadeh. Isaac Cooper and Ronnie Chaaya got hot from deep. The Brooklynited quieted the raucous Warriors crowd from Baltimore and set up a semifinal date with YULA on Sunday. Beth Tifoh, who upset two-time reigning champions Valley Torah, fell to tier I consolation.