Tier I Qualifier Preview: #7 Flatbush Vs #10 Ida Crown

This is one of those matchups that feels a little dangerous, but sometimes a little danger is what makes a great game.

Leading the #10 Ida Crown Aces from Chicago, Illinois is Coach Jonathan Rich. While the Ida Crown lost many of their players from last year, they have a good blend of returning players and JV guys who have moved up. The team is made up of disciplined and capable players. 

Judah Well will impact the game in many ways: on the glass, defensively, and by stabilizing things when it gets hectic. Solly Robinson, with his three-point shooting, will dominate the court. Ben Rosenberg controls the tempo, Hillel Lenin brings scoring punch in transition, and Aiden Itzhaky’s defense gives his opponents toughness around the rim. If the players can work together, then this game will become a real grind. And that’s exactly how they want it.

However, the #7 Flatbush Falcons, led by Coach Matt Malc, are going to be tough to beat. This is a team that went 11-3 in Yeshiva League, beat top programs, and won both the Magen and Glouberman tournaments. Elie Mohadeb is pushing the pace, Aaron Romano can guard the opposing top guys, Sam Jemal is tough and finally getting his shot after a leg injury sidelined him last year. Claude Pardo spaces the floor and Joey Esses anchors the interior as a fantastic rebounder and defender. 

The Falcons are coming off their 73-51 loss against SAR in the Yeshiva League playoffs, which means this is a group that’s going to take the court focused and motivated to reassert themselves as they represent Brooklyn basketball. “Since that loss to SAR this is what we’ve been waiting for,” Albert Kassab told MacsLive. “When going at it all year, you have a couple goals in mind, one obviously being champions but second Sarachek.” Of the Aces, he noted, “Ida crown is a great team. They play fast, hard, and they[‘ve] got a lot of talented guys throughout their lineup. Excited for the challenge.”

The #7 ranked Falcons have enjoyed tournament success twice this season and will hope Sarachek is the same as they battle the #10 Ida Crown Aces in their Tier I qualifier on Thursday. (Photo Credit: YOFathletics/ Instagram)

Pace vs. control:

Flatbush wants to run and let Mohadeb and Romano create before the defense is set. Ida Crown wants the opposite. They want to get organized, and because of the depth disadvantage, they will want to make Flatbush execute in the half-court. If this turns into a track meet, it favors Flatbush. If it becomes a grind, Ida Crown is right where they want to be.

Judah Well’s impact inside:

The three-level scorer could get 25 to dominate this game, but he will be more than that. His value is everywhere: rebounding, defense, second chances, and leadership. If he controls the glass and gives Ida Crown extra possessions, that’s how they neutralize Flatbush’s scoring edge. If Flatbush, especially Esses, can match him physically, that advantage shrinks.

Flatbush’s shot-making vs. discipline:

Flatbush has more firepower, but with that comes risk. They can score in bunches, but if they start settling or rushing, it plays right into Ida Crown’s hands. Ida Crown thrives when teams get sped up and lose structure. So, watch out for this: are Flatbush’s shots coming within their offense, or are they forcing it?

How To Watch:

Tip-Off is at 2:30PM from the MSAC. You can watch the game on MacsLive.