Yavneh defeated Phoenix Charter School 47-31 Tuesday evening. The win evens the Bulldogs record at 4-4.
Scoring a mini-victory by just having their opponent physically show up for the first time in two nights, Yavneh used some their youth to wear down a thin Phoenix Charter school in the second half. Phoenix found out just how tough it is to play four quarters with just five players. Phoenix guard Eric Harleson became the first Yavneh opponent this season to lead all scorers, mainly because star Sophomore Elan Kogutt did not play. Harleson had a first half to remember, shredding the Bulldog interior defense for 13 points on 6/7 shooting. Phoenix controlled the opening period 12-8 behind 60% shooting. Playing with a starting lineup that came in with 0 collective points, the Bulldogs struggled to score until up and coming Freshman point guard Reid Cohen was inserted into the game in Quarter #2. Cohen nailed a quick triple to cut a six-point deficit in half, then recorded two of the most memorable assists of his rookie season to swing the game. First, he found Sophomore Shimi Wolk while slipping on the court. Then, a pass Cohen delivered over his left shoulder found classmate Ben Romaner. When Junior Joe Lerer drove the length of the court to score late in the half, Yavneh regained a lead of 18-17 and would not trail again. Harleson played like a solid veteran in that first half and kept his team in the game. When he heaved a desperation, deep game-tying three pointer into the bottom of the net as the buzzer sounded, it seemed as if the Bulldogs had no answer. However, Harleson came back from halftime a changed superstar. Either the increased Yavneh pressure, something he ate, or an outside distraction (maybe all three) seemed to throw the Phoenix scorer into a tailspin. A tie game turned into a runaway as Yavneh pressured their way to a 13-0 start to the third quarter in seven minutes. Freshman Jordan Prescott took over the game, scoring the majority of his team-high 11 points off of Cohen passes during that third quarter run. Most of the Phoenix 19 turnovers occurred during that run as well as they tired ridiculously as a team down the stretch. Brian Reeves played the majority of the second half only one foul away from leaving his team with only four players. Harleson seemed frustrated with his teammates, coaches, and the world in general as the game wound down. He would finally calm down late in the final period but it was way too late. It was nice to see the game put on ice with a Wolk left hand mini-hook and Freshman Kevin Sulski’s first Yavneh field goal, good for three points. Impressive outings included Freshman Jake Greif’s gritty 7-rebound game and of course a solid 9 point/8 assist/7 rebound show from Reid Cohen.
Yavneh (4-4) play Dallas Academy Thursday evening at home. The rivalry has provided some great games over the years, all won by the Bulldogs.
The Kennel Report, now in its fifth season, is written by…
Zack Pollack M&M