Gabe Freeman

Staff Writer

Despite a hard-fought tournament, the Wildcats finished second in the Milken classic for the second year in a row. This year’s second place finish was disappointing for the varsity basketball team, as they played well in the tournament but failed to come out on top.

To add to the team’s frustration, the final game was lost once again to Yeshiva University High School (YULA).  However, the strong performance by the team presented a good start to the season, as the team looked good during its first few games.

On the night Milken announced the arrival of a live streaming broadcast, perhaps too many kids stayed home to watch the game.  The Hollander Gymnasium was packed with YULA fans, creating a very competitive environment for the Wildcats.

An overtime loss of 45-46 could have gone either way in the last seconds, but it was not Milken’s night.

“Everyone thought we were the underdogs playing against YULA, but I thought we were going to prove them wrong.  We choked in overtime and lost.  I thought we played better than most people expected.  We just couldn’t finish it off,” JJ Friedman ’12, member of the varsity basketball team, said.

The boys’ varsity basketball team opened the tournament with a difficult game against Viewpoint.  The team rallied and came up from behind to win 64-46 behind Friedman’s 20 point performance and Adam Treisman 13’s impressive 15-point game.

Next, the team cruised by New Community Jewish High School with a strong team effort to win 60-33.

While the results of most of the games made it possible for Milken to advance to the final against YULA, the Milken team still suffered a 37-40 loss to Shalhevet High School.

“We got upset by a highly motivated Shalhevet team when we did not play at our best,” Coach Michael Whiting, varsity basketball coach, said.

This tournament could be seen as a positive step on the right direction, as the boys’ team predicts a successful season.

“I really enjoy the young men in the basketball program this year. They have worked very hard and they continue to improve.  I think both teams will have outstanding years,” Whiting said.