By Jack Borenstein
Tribune Correspondent
The most impressive basketball team in Toronto these days is the Bialik Blizzard, the best of the 11-team Toronto Jewish Day School Boys Basketball League.
The ‘Perfect’ Bialik Blizzard basketball team features (front row, from left to right) Russell Yanofsky, Daniel Greenberg (captain), Oren Hacker, and Adam Gurza; (second row, from left to right) David Seifer, Ben Warsh, Michael Pollock, Jonathan Rosenbluth, Noah Epstein, Lorne Tanz. Lawrence Stafaniu and Etai Sarner; and (back row) coach Ron Goldkind, and Daniel Bronfman (injured).
Composed of Grade 7 and Grade 8 players, the Blizzard recently completed a perfect 25-0 season that was overwhelming in scope from the first tip off of the season, to the last second of the final game.
Ron Goldkind completed his first triumphant season as Blizzard Coach. Having played local high school and US college basketball, he volunteered to take on the coaching reigns (coinciding with his children transferring from USDS to Bialik). He had only four returnees from last season’s finalist squad, and proceeded to form a new team.
“After the selection process, I knew we had the makings of a great team – a couple of superstars, along with strong support. Everyone knew their roles and bought into the system whether it was scoring, assists, playmaking, rebounding or defence.”
The systems involved various offensive and defensive sets, along with half court trap presses.
The Blizzard executed plays succinctly from the get go, as they earned a 20-0 regular season mark. Their 54-42 semi-final win on Feb. 28 against the Associated Hawks was closer than it should have been, according to Goldkind. He had “no explanation as to what happened. The kids seemed so nervous throughout, missing over a dozen lay ups and committing numerous turnovers,” he said.
At practice the next day, Goldkind told his players to believe what they were doing, as well as relax and have a good time on the court. He also told them about certain and specific moments in life.
“Not everyone remembers a championship, but the chance to do something perfect doesn’t come around all that often.” He told them if they played the next game (on March 2) like they had all season, it would be an experience each player would remember, no matter what path their lives would take them.
Associated Hurricanes came off an excellent 15-4 regular season, having squeaked out a one-point victory in the semi-final over defending champions Netivot HaTorah Panthers. Goldkind remembered the Hurricanes liked to pass around the perimeter, and shoot treys or jump shots.
He came up with a 2-1-2 defensive spread, to contest passes. It led to numerous turnovers, resulting in many uncontested Blizzard layups. The defence was stifling from start to finish. Blizzard set up at half court towards the end of the match, and released the bench to give substitute players playing time as the clock wound down to a 45-15 victory. Players poured a case of water on Goldkind in celebration, as the clock ticked down the final seconds. Starting point guard and team captain Daniel Greenberg led with 18 points, with centre Michael Pollock chipping in with 16.
Goldberg said there were no expectations coming into the season, as everyone was concerned with putting in a solid team effort from the start. He noted the team realized they could win the championship, after Pollock’s school record 40-point regular season game against the Panthers.
“Coach Goldkind always knew what to say at the right time, never gave up on players and treated us like adults,” Goldberg said. “He always told me to ‘lead the team,’ and I think we couldn’t have won it all without our coach.”
Dr. Uri Korin, Bialik Hebrew Day School’s director of education, was proud of the team’s efforts, and the dedication shown by Goldkind.
“As a school with high educational standards – a curriculum including four languages (English, Hebrew, Yiddish and French), we are delighted our team concluded the schedule with a perfect record.”
Beverly Young, vice principal, senior division at Bialik, was impressed the way team members were happy to play in whatever capacity Goldkind assigned and gave it their best at all times, in practices and games.
“Sense of spirit, commitment and cooperation learned, are wonderful life lessons,” Young said. “A remarkable sense of team unity developed, and it was wonderful to see the players’ self-confidence grow.”
Goldkind dedicated the tournament to Bruce Bronfman, who filled in as coach for a handful of games when he was absent. As for his players, he had this to say:
? Noah Epstein – reserve centre – “can also play power forward, and did a lot inside work in the paint for scoring and rebounds.”
? Greenberg “was my ‘Steve Nash’ in terms of distributing the ball and setting up plays. Also a great shooter.”
? Adam Gurza – starting forward – “Plays like a six-footer, though is shorter. Displayed more tenacity than any other player his size, and went for every loose ball he could.”
? Oren Hacker – starting guard – “my best defender, who played most traps against opposing players at the top of the defensive zone.”
? Pollock was “a scoring machine, averaging 25 points a game during the season. Didn’t play physically, but had a great scoring touch on the court.”
? Jonathan Rosenbluth – starting small forward – “could distribute the ball, or go straight to the hoop. Smooth moves on the court.”
? Etai Sarner – backup two-guard – “shot three pointers like they were going out of style. Went inside the paint for jump shots, when needed.”
? David Seifer – reserve point guard – “a quarterback every time he was on the court, and was fast and quick with assists.”
? Lawrence Stafaniu – reserve power forward – “an incredible rebounder who pulled down shots to create fast breaks, or maintain possession.”
? Lorne Tanz – no. 3 forward – “was last player selected to the squad, and improved the most over the course of the season. Had a fantastic attitude, and could play any position.”
? Ben Warsh – starting power forward – “at 5 ft. 9 in. was built like a linebacker, and was dominant throughout. Great speed for a big kid.”
? Russell Yanofsky – reserve two-guard/small forward – “played solid at both positions, with key contributions when needed.”
? Daniel Bronfman – power forward/centre – “suffered a knee injury before the first game, and missed the season. Would have been a starter if healthy. Came out to practices, kept scores at games and cheered his teammates, which we all appreciated. Will really help CHAT basketball next year.”
The weekend of March 4 saw the inaugural Toronto-Rochester boys basketball tourney held at Bialik. It involved Hillel of Rochester (NY), Bialik, Netivot HaTorah and USDS. The tourney came about when Hillel, who went undefeated in their season, contacted Bialik and wanted to play them and other local teams. Bialik defeated Hillel in the final by 19 points, capping off an unforgettable 25-0 season. Netivot hosted Hillel players and staff, who raved about the Canadian hospitality, food and assistance provided them during the weekend.
Goldkind was uncertain about coaching next season, due to work responsibilities. He thanked Young and the players’ parents for car pooling and their assistance all season.
Greenberg hopes to play basketball at CHAT next season, and will see what happens afterwards.
The memories of the 2005/06 Toronto Day Schools Boys basketball dream season will surely last a lifetime for Bialik Blizzard players, coaches, parents, school staff and students.
Jack Borenstein can be emailed at j_borenstein@hotmail.com.
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