On Thursday, March 23, the Valley Torah Wolfpack will face off against the TABC Storm for a spot in Tier I. Valley Torah comes into this tournament with high expectations, looking to repeat as champions after their dominant performance just a year ago. Just like last year, they find themselves with the second seed. Their opponent, TABC, had a similarly impressive run last year, making it to the semifinals before losing to this Valley Torah team. However, unlike last year, they find themselves ranked amongst the lower half of teams at 15.
When it comes to this Valley Torah team, it’s hard not to think of superstar Johny Dan. Anyone who followed Sarachek last year remembers his game changing chase down block on DRS with just over two minutes to play in the championship game. Dan, now a senior, will lead this team with his terrific scoring. Dan will be joined by a slew of talented teammates, including starting point guard Noam Mayouhas, another holdover from last year’s team. Together, this team looks to prove why many expect the wolfpack to defend their title.
Although ranked only 15th, TABC is never a team to be underestimated. Despite a disappointing loss in the MYHSAL Quarterfinals, TABC still had a very solid 10-4 regular season showing. TABC also proved they can compete with top teams this season, going on the road to Frisch (ranked 4th) and walking out with an 11 point victory. It won’t be easy to stop Valley Torah, but with top scorer Netanel Benloulou and big man Tzvi Schreiber, along with elite coaching from Coach Oz, TABC will look to pull off the massive upset.
Whoever comes out on top in this matchup will face the winner of (7) Ida Crown vs (10) Katz in the next round of Tier I, while the other will face an undetermined opponent in the Tier II Qualifiers.
This game will close out the Tier I qualifiers. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. MacsLive will broadcast the game. Watch live here.
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