Written by Lauren Rub
It was quite the showing today at Romema Arena in Haifa, as the U18 Boys’ basketball team comfortably defeated Mexico 100-13. From the tip-off, the US came out flying with the squad outscoring its Southern neighbors 33-2.
Center Joshua Bernstein explained that this is business as usual for the team. “I think it’s easy to lay back when you’re up [by] 30 in the first quarter, but we didn’t and that’s what we want to do,” said Bernstein.
By the second quarter, Head Coach Matthew Malc was subbing in three to four players at a time and each member of the team saw minutes.
“We have 12 guys that can play,” said Malc. “Regardless of who we’re playing, we have guys that we feel comfortable putting in that will keep that rhythm going for us.”
The ball movement amongst their teammates and their defensive mentality is what lead to their dominant win.
“The ability to play inside and outside is what makes us so special,” said Bernstein.
And special it is as by the final buzzer they had improved to 2-0. The U18 Boys’ basketball team is ready to take on Germany Sunday, July 17th at 9 am ISR – 2 am EST.
“We’re going to play our style, we’re not going to play theirs,” Coach Malc said about the matchup.
Lauren Rub is a Miami native and recent graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in Television, Radio, and Film. Follow her work on https://maccabiusa.com/maccabimedia/