By Dana Lazar ’25
Girls’ and Boys’ Varsity Basketball Games: Dec. 10, 2024 Girls’ Final Score: Berman 36, JDS 35 Boys’ Final Score: Berman 73, JDS 42
The annual Berman vs. JDS rivalry game was nothing short of unforgettable. The Girls’ Varsity Cougars set the tone early, finishing the first quarter with a narrow lead. Nitzahn Epstein ’26 played a pivotal role, consistently grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring crucial put-backs to keep the Cougars in the game. By halftime, the Cougars held onto a slim four-point advantage. Power forward Adi Topolosky ’27 motivated her teammates during the break, urging them to “keep their foot on the gas” and maintain their intensity.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, as the JDS Lions clawed their way back, cutting the Cougars’ lead to just two points. In the final moments, missed free throws by the Lions allowed the Cougars to cling to their lead, ultimately securing a thrilling 36–35 victory. “I had to say Shema at the end; it was just too close,” shared Leor Hochstein ’26, capturing the heart-pounding excitement of the game.
The Varsity Boys kept the energy alive with an electrifying first half. Utilizing a ¾ court press and capitalizing on fast breaks, they surged to a commanding 20-point lead by halftime. Star player Alex August ’26 reflected on the team’s strong start, saying, “This is exactly how we wanted to end the first half.”
The Cougars maintained their dominance in the second half, building on their momentum to deliver a stunning blowout victory, defeating the Lions by nearly 40 points. To cap off the exciting evening, Berman students broke into a spirited rendition of the classic chant, “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lions sleep tonight,” celebrating a fun and unforgettable night. Congrats, Cougars!
