Basketball Macs' Season Ends

After one of Yeshiva University's most spectacular basketball seasons, the Maccabees finished with an astonishing 16-7 record. The Mac's win total tied the highest in YU history, achieved by only two other Maccabee teams. Regrettably, the Macs were not invited to the East Coast Athletic Conference Tournament, the prestigious Division III tournament in which YU occasionally competes.

The second half of the season began with the return of captain Marc Nadrich and Alex Shakhmurov, two veterans whose addition helped to lead the Macs to their remarkable record. Marc's return inspired the Macs' success, adding both his strong performance at guard as well as his emotional intensity. In response, on Senior night of the season's last home game, the school recognized Marc for his dedication and devotion to basketball while studying here at YU. Meanwhile, Alex, whose fans call him "Shaq," returned to fill the void in center caused by last year's graduating team members. After ending the first semester somewhat short of their expectations with a 7-4 record, the Macs went on an impressive 10-3 run to complete a spectacular 16-7 season.

What is often forgotten regarding this Maccabee team is the lack of confidence the fans evinced in the team at the outset of the season. The team's detractors believed that the team was too young, and lacked both team unity as well as the necessary experience to succeed. Throughout the season, the performances of Nachum Palefsky, Yossi Gev, and Dov Weiner constantly astounded the fans; these three sophomore members, along with David Neiss and "Shaq," rounded out the starting five. With Nadrich and Joel Kruger coming off the bench, the Macs proved unstoppable. Of course, it would be remiss to exclude the valuable contributions of Avi Karesh, Uri Yudewitz, David Battalion, Steven Hershman, Asaf Hod, Tuvy Meyer, Shane Rabin, and Yoni Tzadok that made this a truly spectacular season. However, the most essential component of the Macs' success was the fans' support, for which the team remains everlastingly thankful.

Next year, as the Macs are only losing Marc Nadrich, the remaining members hope to improve what was an exceptional season.