Tier I Finals Preview: #1 DRS Vs #3 Frisch

This is it. DRS vs. Frisch. Sarachek Final for the national title.

Not just the last game — the right game. You’ve got the back-back Yeshiva League champs, the standard of the tournament, a team that has answered every question with control, depth, and dominance.

And then you’ve got Frisch, a team that didn’t just arrive — they earned this. Battle-tested, physical, and led by a star who has taken over big moments all week. Both squads have looked like the most complete in the field — and it’s not just about talent. It’s how they play. They can win fast, they can win slow, and most importantly, they can adjust mid-game better than anyone here.

For DRS, everything runs through Gabe Spodek, and what he does doesn’t always scream at you. He dictates tempo, makes the right read, and keeps everyone organized even when things get chaotic.

Then there’s Elisha Tsaidi, who might be the most impactful two-way player in the tournament. He scores, rebounds, defends, creates turnovers — and more importantly, he shows up in momentum swings. And then the part that breaks opponents has been their depth led by Michael Solomon. It’s never just one guy. Someone new steps up every run — whether it’s a shooter hitting a big three, a role player making a hustle play, or a bench piece bringing energy that flips a stretch of the game. Over 32 minutes, that constant pressure wears teams down.

Now Frisch. They don’t care about your depth chart. They care about control. Everything starts with Isaac Stepner, and if you’ve watched this tournament, you know exactly what that means. He doesn’t just score — he anchors the game — rebounding, physicality, pace, and composure. He can slow everything down and make the game feel like it’s being played on his terms. The best way to beat DRS isn’t to outgun them — it’s to disrupt their rhythm. Frisch has the pieces to do that. Nathan Neufeld, who knocked out the Wildcats with a buzzer-beater in the first round last season, can get you buckets when possessions break down.

Judah Suss takes the floor and punishes overhelp. Noah Grossman brings a defensive toughness that can make life harder on primary scorers. And guys like Jacob Gervis have already shown they can swing momentum with effort plays. They’re comfortable in tight games. They want it to be ugly.

Fast vs Slow:

Frisch wants this game in the half-court, physical, deliberate, every possession meaning something. That’s where Stepner can control the glass, slow things down, and keep it tight. DRS wants flow — stops into transition, quick decisions, multiple contributors. The Wildcats get out and running early; that’s a problem for Frisch. But if Frisch can drag this into a grind from the jump, that’s exactly the kind of game they believe they can win.

How Frisch handles DRS adjustments:

DRS has shown in each tournament that they don’t just play one way. The matchup zone, the pressure, the shifting defensive looks — it’s designed to take you out of rhythm. The real test isn’t whether Frisch executes early, but whether they can continue to execute once those adjustments hit. If they start getting sped up, forced into late-clock shots, or careless with the ball, that’s when DRS builds separation.

Who executes late:

For DRS, that’s Spodek controlling possessions and Tsaidi making winning plays. For Frisch, that’s Stepner dictating pace, securing rebounds, and making sure every trip down the floor has purpose. This game isn’t about who plays better for 32 minutes; it’s about who is more in control in the final four.