Tier I Qualifier Preview: #8 Valley Torah Vs #9 Berman

Buckle up.

This isn’t just one of the better matchups of the day—it might be the most intriguing one on the board.

Valley Torah walks in feeling underseeded. Berman walks in with one of the best players in the entire tournament. They already met once this year in Memphis, and Valley Torah won. And now they meet again, this time with everything on the line.

For the feisty Cougars, the mission is simple: give Alex August—a Maryland native, 3,000-point scorer, and the greatest player in program history—a proper goodbye.

Berman’s season has been a rollercoaster. They hit some turbulence and didn’t look like themselves at times, but down the stretch, they found something again. When they’re locked in, they’re tough, physical, and play with purpose. Noah Lichtman brings defense and poise, while Reuven Antine, a freshman, continues to develop into a piece with real upside. Ezra Sushner also adds shooting off the bench.

Yaakov Lesnoy gives them size and shooting as an X-factor. It’s not a perfect roster, but it’s one that, when aligned, can function cohesively. 

Yet this will inevitably come down to August, who is the engine behind everything. The veritable star can take over a game by himself. Every possession feels like it runs through him, every moment shaped by his decision-making, his scoring, and his ability to impose himself on the hardwood.

And then there’s Valley Torah, which arrives in New York after a revelatory 12 months. A year removed from a Tier III championship run built on improbable comebacks, they return with continuity, confidence, and something close to unbridled belief. They went 21–2 in league play, using their depth and balance to stack wins against quality California competition, and are here in Sarachek not just hoping to compete, but expecting to win.

It starts with Emmitt Victor, a true point guard who does everything—scoring, passing, controlling tempo. Then there’s Meir Dan, a physical, high-motor scorer who can beat you at all three levels. Around them, Valley Torah is replete with pieces—Assayag Raham brings toughness and defense, Bouzaglou protects the rim, and they have the depth Berman simply doesn’t.

The #8 Valley Torah Wolfpack travel from Los Angeles seeking to do better than just win Tier III. They begin Sarachek with a highly anticipated clash against #9 Berman on Thursday afternoon. (Photo Credit: VTHS_Basketball/ Instagram)

August vs. the collective:

This is the central tension of the game.  August can take over stretches and completely tilt the floor. Yet Valley Torah isn’t built around one star; they’re a cohort that defends, rotates, and shares responsibility. If August is allowed to have his way, Berman has the edge. If Valley Torah can contain him without overcommitting, their depth becomes the advantage.

Depth and late-game erosion:

The Wolfpack’s biggest edge might not show up early but could surface over time. They go deeper, stay fresh, and sustain energy on both ends. If this becomes a physical, back-and-forth game, watch whether Berman begins to wear down. Valley Torah’s depth can slowly erode opponents, possession by possession, especially late.

Pace vs. control:

This game could turn mercurial depending on the tempo. Will it slow down for Berman Or will it open up and Valley Torah becomes far more dangerous? The team that best establishes its preferred pace will likely dictate the outcome.

How To Watch:

Tip-Off is at 1:00PM from the MSAC. You can catch the game on MacsLive