JJ Friedman

Staff Writer

Coming into the season the Milken boys JV team (14-1) had high expectations, returning 7 players from last years 16-2 squad. Up to this point the team has more than surpassed the lofty preseason expectations with an average margin of victory that is greater than 14 points a game.

At the start of the season the JV team had 18 players but due to call ups to varsity and kids leaving on the Tiferet program, the roster has been whittled down to 11 players. However the shorthanded team has continued to excel, winning their last 3 games by an average of 32 points.

Some players have stepped up since the 4 sophomores departed on Tiferet. Jake Davidson 13’ has been a calming influence on the now freshman laden team with his great leadership and tremendous three point shooting, Dorel Meiri 14’provides a spark for the team with his outstanding defense, and Brian Younessi 14’ has proved to be an explosive scorer going off for 17 first half points against Faith Baptist. Also Justin Madahi 13’ has been a nice surprise this season manning the middle and coming up big with 20 points and 12 rebounds in a huge victory over Campbell Hall.

The success of the team cannot just be credited to just the players. Coach Adam Levine has decided to run an unorthodox high tempo offense by substituting all five players every two minutes. This offense combined with a great pressing defense has lead to impressive upset victories over Campbell Hall and Chadwick.

“We have beaten some more athletic teams like Campbell Hall with our fast paced style of play. By the fourth quarter, teams cannot keep up with us,” Levine said.