Did you know that the Ramaz varsity basketball teams went to Los Angeles for a  tournament that included Yeshivas from throughout the U.S.? This tournament was created seven years ago in honor of Steven Glouberman who played basketball in his community and had an untimely death. The community created this event to carry on his legacy. Although the Ramaz teams did not come home with the title, they played very close games, and reinforced the talent and strength of their teams. 

The Ramaz girls battled for the victory title and did not win, though they fought each game as if it was their last. The girls played a tough game against Shalhevet, where the tournament was hosted. Shalhevet is known for its talented and well-coached basketball teams. The Ramaz girls needed to beat Shalhevet to advance to the next round. Unfortunately, they lost, but they did not go down without a fight; at halftime, Ramaz was winning. Ramaz’s great playing caused all of Shalhevet’s fans to go absolutely silent. Even though Shalhevet won in the end, Shalhevet’s team looked frustrated and frazzled on the court. The Ramaz girls played with aggression and power, worked great as a team, and challenged Shalhevet to the end.

Although the girls lost, the boys won every game they played except for the last. The boys played each game with determination, strength, and most importantly, unity. Unfortunately, Shalhevet beat Ramaz in the semi-championships, but the boys kept the fight alive until the clock hit zero. The commentators had announced this was one of the most exciting games they had seen in a while!

In addition to playing basketball, students had the opportunity to interact with each other off the court. After returning from the tournament, Molly Hiltzik ‘24 said, “I loved L.A. I feel like it was such an amazing experience to become closer with my teammates; our team has truly felt like a family since L.A. I also really enjoyed seeing friends from other schools.” This was Molly’s first year at the L.A. tournament, however, it was the last year for our seniors. Izzie Ottensoser ‘22 said, “I am really sad that this is my last year, but I am really happy I went on the trip with all of my friends. I only went once before and this year I played hard because it was my last L.A. tournament.” Julius Rubinstein ‘22, an essential player on the boys team, said, “the trip was a really great experience. I really enjoyed playing basketball alongside my teammates in a gym full of fans and meeting people from other schools.” Julius was awarded a “First Team All Tournament” award at the end of the tournament. Scott Ferguson, the coach for the girls and boys varsity basketball teams, is really pleased with how the teams performed in the tournament. Coach

 Scott said, “The Ramaz basketball trip to Los Angeles was more than wins and losses. It was the first time our teams, who have players in 9th-12th grade, were really able to spend time with each other and get to know one another both on and off the court. They really built a lot of camaraderie and it has carried over to the Yeshiva season. The girls are 4-1 and the boys are 3-1; I couldn’t be more proud of them. Both teams’ hard work and dedication has really paid off. The sky is the limit for them.”

This trip was a learning experience for each player because it provided a unique opportunity to play basketball outside their regular league. Additionally, students have stated that their teams are more bonded from the trip and the camaraderie on the teams has been enhanced.