Tier II Semifinal Preview: #3 DRS Wildcats vs. #12 HA Montreal Heat
- Tzvi Motechin
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
The stage is set for a can’t-miss Tier II Semifinal clash as the red-hot #12 HA Montreal Heat get their shot at the #3-seeded DRS Wildcats, the reigning Yeshiva League champions and one of the most well-rounded teams in the tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Sunday, and if the past few days are any indication, this one has serious classic potential.
Montreal has caught fire at exactly the right time. After entering Sarachek as a 12-seed, the Heat have turned heads with back-to-back dominant performances. They opened with an explosive 91–51 win over a gritty #20 Maimonides squad, breaking the game wide open with a 50–15 second-half surge that showcased their scoring depth and relentless pace. Less than 24 hours later, they were back at it, against #11 MTA. Montreal stormed out to a 22–6 first-quarter lead and never looked back, riding that early momentum to an emphatic 71–41 win.
The Heat have now posted 91 and 71 points in consecutive games and enter the Semifinal playing with serious swagger.
The dynamic duo of Simon Alloul and Yaacov Ohayon has led the way for the Heat. Alloul has emerged as one of the most electric scorers in the tournament, dropping 29 points against Maimo and another 20 on MTA with a deep bag of shot-making. Ohayon has been a monster down low, recording 26 points and 13 rebounds in the opener and continuing his dominance with 17 more against MTA. Their size, pace, and aggression have made Montreal a tough team to guard, especially when moving the ball well and running in transition.
Montreal’s role players have stepped up, too. Isaac Cons added eight points and threw down a thunderous dunk, bringing the house down against MTA. Noah Bitton and Daniel Levy have also given strong contributions, proving that this Heat team isn’t just top-heavy—they’re deep, confident, and hungry. With their last two performances, they enter this semifinal as perhaps the most dangerous 12-seed Sarachek has seen in years.
Lying in wait for them is DRS—a team that doesn’t rattle, doesn’t panic, and doesn’t beat easily. The Wildcats enter this matchup fresh off a 65–40 win over Mesivta, a game in which they imposed their will with size, patience, and depth. Joe Aaron opened that game with back-to-back buckets, then delivered a massive block off the backboard that flipped the momentum early. In the backcourt, Gabby Spodek provided steady ball-handling and poise under pressure, while Tzvi Tsaidi gave the offense an edge with his aggressive slashing and ability to finish in traffic. Together, they helped DRS control the pace and flow of the game from start to finish.
Off the bench, Zach Brand added timely buckets in the fourth quarter, including a strong and-one finish that helped stretch the lead and energize the Wildcats late. The interior presence of Yitz Bennett was especially impactful, as he controlled the glass and helped DRS assert themselves physically in the second half. Even contributions from players like Shua Weinberg, who added a solid finish inside, reflected the depth and balance that DRS brings to the table. This team doesn’t only rely on their superstar—they come at you in waves, playing smart, tough, and unselfish basketball.
This Semifinal will be a contrast of styles. Montreal wants to push the pace, get Alloul and Ohayon going early, and play downhill. DRS wants to slow it down, make things physical, and force Montreal to work for every look. One team is riding a wave of explosive momentum; the other has regrouped and returned to its championship-caliber form, playing with poise and discipline.
What’s Next?
The winner of this Tier II Semifinal will move on to Monday’s championship game, with a shot at bringing home hardware and closing out their Sarachek run on a high note. For DRS, a win would reaffirm their standing as one of the most complete and consistent programs in the tournament. For HA Montreal, it would mark the continuation of a red-hot underdog run that’s already turned heads across the Sarachek stage—one game, one chance, and one step closer to Tier II glory.
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