On a recent Sunday afternoon, I made my way to Little Neck to witness the exciting conclusion of the HSL Youth Boys championship basketball games. The league featured students from third through eighth grade representing local yeshivahs, including Yeshiva Har Torah, which graciously hosted this thrilling event.
I had the opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows of this past HSL Youth Boys season with Commissioner Avi Adelman. “What a season we had!” remarked Avi. “At the HSL we pride ourselves on giving all of the kids the best possible time.” Growing up in Brooklyn, Avi never had the chance to participate in youth sports leagues. This inspired him to start organized sports leagues in the Orthodox Jewish community in Queens.
Avi began his journey as a counselor at Camp Romimu in Monticello where he worked for ten years focusing on helping children grow in confidence, physical activity, and character, particularly in their middot tovot and sportsmanship. Now based in Kew Gardens Hills, Avi serves as the commissioner of HSL overseeing sports leagues of all ages and offering one-on-one training and coaching clinics.
I also had a chance to speak with Youth Director and Head Coach Eli Jaroslawicz. "Teaching our 8- to 9-year-olds in sports clinics and scrimmages has been incredibly rewarding," Eli communicated. "In our clinics, I aim to instill the fundamentals of becoming a well-rounded athlete, not just in basketball, but across sports like soccer and football." Over the years, Eli has successfully worked with children of all ages, even those as young as kindergarten and pre-1A, many of whom were introduced to sports for the first time through his guidance. This division of HSL hosted 65 younger children in its sports clinics and 90 players in the basketball league for the same age group. Despite the challenges of its first season, the administration worked hard to balance teams fairly, ensuring a positive experience for all participants.
Looking ahead, Eli is optimistic about the future. "Next season, we will focus on improving staffing and coaching, which will help us provide an even better experience. Most importantly, our returning players will be more comfortable and focused, allowing them to grow in their game and in fairness on the court," he said.
The HSL’s debut season welcomed over 65 participants in its basketball league and 90 younger athletes in sports clinics. “From Pre-K through 8th grade, in both our boys and girls programs, all of the kids walked away with smiling faces,” remarked Avi. “We love the competition of course, but the special focus on building all of the kids’ skills and confidence and making all players feel like they had an absolute blast after each and every session is what makes HSL so special.”
Eli emphasized the league's focus on fairness, skill development, and improving logistics as goals for next year." Next season, we’ll enhance staffing and coaching while ensuring returning players continue to grow," he noted.
The 2024 HSL Basketball Playoffs were generously sponsored by Annie’s Kitchen, a Main Street favorite, which delighted players and fans with a hot buffet.
Third To Fifth Grade Championship
In the semifinals, Adam Mermelstein DDS triumphed over MS Motors, and Annie’s Kitchen edged out Gordon Companies. The final match saw a heated battle between Annie’s Kitchen and Mermelstein DDS. Though Annie’s Kitchen kept the game close with standout plays from Zacky Lazorovics and Yaakov Fried, along with strong defense from the pollack brothers, Mermelstein DDS ultimately secured the championship with a decisive 30-14 victory. Elisha Shamsayev led the charge with 12 points, followed by Binyamin Sdayeb with 8 and Jonathan Leviyev with 6.
Sixth To Eighth Grade Championship
In the upper division playoffs, Watts Up Electric faced off against Day3 Media. Despite an early 9-0 run from Day3 Media led by Championship MVP Menachem Bruckner, Watts Up Electric mounted a spirited comeback. However, Day3 Media held their ground, clinching a 33-13 win. Menachem’s stellar 14-point performance, supported by teammates Benny Ganz and Noam Neuman, sealed the victory.
Special recognition goes to Watts Up Electric, whose star player Moishe Diamantstein scored an impressive 30 points in a regular-season game against Day3 Media. A third-place game was also held between Wall Street Grill and NYC Floor Pro.
Reflections And Looking Ahead
Dr. JA Bruckner, coach of the Day3 Media team and father to players and Yeshiva Ketana of Queens students Ephraim, 6, and Menachem, 8, shared his appreciation for the league's focus on community and player development. "Coaching alongside my father, Dr. Lawrence Bruckner of Plainview, and watching my sons grow on the court was a privilege," expressed Bruckner, a YIQV member who previously coached hockey and baseball. “Special thanks to league coordinators Avi Adelman and Dovid Gottlieb for making adjustments throughout the season, as necessary.”
The league’s commitment to creating a fun, competitive, and inclusive environment resonated with all participants, leaving players, coaches, and fans eager for the next season. In closing, Avi expressed appreciation for “all our staff and all our sponsors for making this all possible” and said that he was “looking forward to an amazing upcoming winter season and beyond!”
2024 HSL Playoff Teams
Day3 Media
Coach: Dr. JA Bruckner Team: Ephraim and Menachem Bruckner, Akiva Eisenberg, Benny Ganz, Moshe and Yisroel Kaplovits, Noam Neuman, Chaim Kramer
Watts Up Electric
Coach: Mr. Avi Yagudayev Team: David Yagudayev, Yisroel Borohov, Moishe Diamantstein, Elchanon Krikheli, Binyamin and Ethan Niyazov, Yitzchok Ustayev
Annie’s Kitchen
Coach: Mr. Chaim Assor Team: Yaakov Fried, Zacky Lazarovics, Shalom and Shmuel Pollack, Avi Rosenbaum, Yisroel Tropper, Shua Turkel
Adam Mermelstein DDS
Coach: Mr. Elan Shamsayev Team: Sefie Gabai, Jonathan Leviyev, Binyamin Sdayeb, Elisha Shamsayev, Elnatan Simhayev, Yehonatan Tugender
The first HSL Youth Boys season leaves a legacy of skill-building, sportsmanship, and unforgettable memories, setting the stage for an even more exciting season next year!
By Shabsie Saphirstein
HSL Youth Boys Wrap Up An Action-Packed Inaugural Season
Typography
- Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
- Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times
- Reading Mode