Basketball Tournament

Yeshiva University is set to host this year's Red Sarachek Basketball Tournament, scheduled to run from March 18^th to the 23^rd. The tournament, named after famous Jewish basketball coach Red Sarachek, is a competition between some of the best Jewish high school teams in the nation. While many in both the gentile and Jewish worlds scoff at the concept of "Jewish basketball," this year's event should prove that Jewish kids can play ball after all. This is due in a large part to the fact that "The Great Jewish Hope," Tamir Goodman, will be returning to play for the Baltimore Talmudical Academy (T.A.) Thunder.

That's right, the same Tamir Goodman seen on "The Nightly News with Connie Chung," pictured in Sports Illustrated, and who is slated to play for Gary Williams's nationally ranked Maryland Terrapins, will showcase his talent for us. Last year, observers considered Goodman's flashy play one of the main highlights of the tournament. Yet, according to YU Athletic Director, Dr. Richard Zerneck, this year will not be a Tamir Goodman circus. "There are many talented players and teams in this year's field," he said, "and we want to focus on all of them, not just Mr. Goodman."

Each year, the tournament electrifies crowds of YU students, many of whom are alumni of the competing high schools. Yussi Shar, a graduate of T.A., said, "It is both fun and exciting to be able to see students from my old school play basketball as I like watching their games and seeing Tamir play. The best part, however, is that my brother Dovie is their team manager, so I get to see him too." It appears that the tournament not only features quality basketball, it also seems to bring families together.

There will be 18 teams in the field, including MTA. If you get a chance, come down and watch the games.