HAFTR Hawks win basketball tournament

The second annual Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School Invitational girls’ varsity basketball tournament was a huge success.

Six teams joined together from Feb. 3 to 6 for basketball and bonding, giving the teams an opportunity to get to know each other both on and off the court.

This year’s tournament was a welcome addition to the regular basketball season, especially considering that last year’s competition was canceled due to the Covid pandemic.

The tournament included five local teams – HAFTR, Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, North Shore Hebrew Academy, Ramaz, Yeshivah of Flatbush – and Berman Hebrew Academy from Maryland.

The tournament kicked off on Feb. 3, at the Barclays Center with a game between HAFTR and Yeshivah of Flatbush. Fans from both teams made their way to Brooklyn to see their team play on the home court of the Brooklyn Nets.

While HAFTR came out on top 58-23, it was definitely a night that both teams will always remember. When game commentator Amanda Ehrenhaus asked, “How does it feel as a senior to be able to play at Barclays Center?” Shirly Gottlieb responded, “It’s amazing, because I get to leave this place having had a wonderful opportunity.”

Games continued the next day with HAFTR and Berman Hebrew Academy leading the tournament in first and second place. As Shabbat approached, the games were put on hold as players prepared for a beautiful Shabbat together.

The girls enjoyed the hospitality of local hosts for Friday night dinner, and had an amazing Shabbat lunch hosted by HAFTR. After lunch, the girls heard encouraging words from coach Joey Hoenig, as well as Divrei Torah given by representatives from each team.

Coach Ilona Diamond inspired the players with lessons of perseverance and friendship, after which the girls segued into an icebreaker activity. They spent the day getting to know each other, and soon realized they had a lot more in common than just basketball.

Games continued Saturday night and Sunday morning. Flatbush beat Ramaz in a close 38-34 game, taking third and fourth place, respectively. HAFTR played Berman Hebrew Academy for the championship title.

The Hawks’ Nest was packed; it was filled with HAFTR fans, as well as many Berman Hebrew Academy fans who came all the way from Maryland to support their team.

The Berman players were tough, but they could not outmatch HAFTR’s team, which remains undefeated in its regular season.

HAFTR took the championship title with a 68-48 win against Berman Hebrew Academy. After the game, Diamond said, “I feel so fortunate to be a part of this moment for these girls. I’m so proud of them.”

The tournament was a huge success, resulting in some amazing basketball and unbreakable new friendships.

Gurtman is a HAFTR High School junior.