Tier II Qualifier Preview: #12 HA Montreal VS #20 Maimonides

After securing a Tier I berth in last year’s tournament, Maimonides now finds itself in a Tier II qualifier matchup against #12 HA Montreal. This season has been anything but smooth for the M-Cats, making this an opportunity to end the year on a high note by contending for a Tier II championship. Despite the setbacks, they remain determined to reignite the spark that propelled them to the top tier just a season ago. This year’s squad is composed of seasoned upperclassmen, with nine of the twelve players in their junior or senior years. However, experience in high-stakes tournament play is in short supply—only three players return from last year’s Sarachek run. While their age suggests maturity, it does not necessarily translate to familiarity with the pressure of this big stage.

Leading the charge is 6’2” senior Zach Gelb, a battle-tested competitor whose presence serves as the backbone of this team. His prior Sarachek experience makes him an invaluable asset, and the team will undoubtedly look to him for leadership on and off the court. Head Coach Ed Gelb has emphasized the team’s steady growth throughout the season, commending their increasing effort and daily improvement. While the year has been filled with challenges, Maimonides now has a fresh opportunity to prove itself on the tournament stage once again.

HA Montreal finds itself in an unexpected position, forced into a Tier II qualifier after Frisch hit a buzzer beater to stun #3 DRS. The Heat, who had higher aspirations for this tournament, must now regroup quickly to keep their Tier II championship hopes alive. Their recent defeat against SAR was a tough blow, but they remain a formidable squad with the potential to make a deep run if they can rediscover their regular-season championship form.

After losing to SAR in Tier I qualifying, HA Montreal embark on their quest for a Tier II title against #20 Maimonides on Friday. (Photo Credit: MacsLive)

Central to their success will be the dynamic duo of Yaakov Ohayun and Simon Alloul, who have been the offensive catalysts all year. Their ability to dictate the pace and generate scoring opportunities will be crucial in this high-stakes matchup. If they can shake off their recent struggles and find their rhythm early, HA Montreal has the talent to overpower an Maimo squad eager to prove itself. However, underestimating Maimonides could be costly, as the M-Cats, despite their turbulent season, are hungry for redemption and fully capable of rising to the occasion. For HA Montreal, this game is not just about advancing—it’s about reclaiming their identity as a team worthy of championship contention.

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