The #7 North Shore Lions are set to clash with the #10 Magen David Warriors in a high-stakes Tier I Qualifier matchup that promises to be a nail-biter.
North Shore, entering Sarachek as the #7 seed after missing the dance last year, is fueled by a burning desire to prove itself after being upset as the #3 seed vs. #6 YULA in the Tier I Quarterfinal two seasons ago. They lost 47-46 after leading by nine early in the 4th quarter.
The Lions have had an up-and-down season. After graduating a lot of seniors from last year, they started off the season slow, struggling in preseason matchups and in Memphis while dealing with injuries. Since Memphis, they have been able to gel together as a cohesive unit, finishing 10-4 in Yeshiva League play, before losing to TABC in the semifinals 46-35. They are led by a trio of 5’11” guard Eli Bokhour, 6’0” guard Charlie Sassoon, and 6’3” center Phil Cohen. Bokhour is a standout senior with an elite shot that sets the tone on defense, while Sassoon is great in the open court and can shoot. Down low, Cohen can open things up for the Lions’ versatile offense if he can hit his shots.
The Lions are eager to return to Sarachek, bringing their A-game. They plan on showcasing their spread offense and should look to keep the middle open while sharing the ball. The anticipation is high as the Lions prepare to unleash their game plan on the court.
Magen David wants to prove they did not belong in last night’s play-in, a year after winning the Yeshiva League championship and losing to YULA in overtime in the Sarachek final. They beat Flatbush 56-52 in last night’s Battle for Brooklyn, nearly blowing a 12-point lead. To win this matchup, the Warriors must rely on their star power, 6’1” guard Joshua Chabbot and 5’10” guard Phil Sherr. Expect many looks from those two guys, as well as 5’10” guard/forward Meyer Sakkal and 5’10” guard Jack Dweck.
The Warriors are coming into today’s matchup looking for revenge, having lost to the Lions 58-42 early in the season. Look for them to utilize a full-court press to fluster the Lions’ offense and speed up the game.
After defeating Brooklynite Flatbush in Wednesday night’s play-in game, Joshua Chabbott and the #10 MDY Warriors seek to upset #7 Northshore in the Tier I Quarterfinals on Thursday morning. (Photo Credit: Yeshiva League Pass)
Having both lost in the Yeshiva League semis, North Shore and Magen David are strong teams looking to make a statement that they belong in Tier I this year. Both were top-3 teams in the Eastern Conference and have shown they can pull off big wins. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 AM at the Max Stern Athletic Center, and will also be streaming right here on MacsLive.
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