Yavneh defeated Dallas Academy 41-32 Thursday evening to improve the Bulldogs record to 10-7.
It seems the only thing that could get Yavneh a win in 2006 was using the game as a birthday present to the Head coach, Coach Baruch will tell you that he didn’t need EXACTLY one point for every year. So, the Bulldogs went out and got him one extra point in a 41-32 victory that they absolutely had to have. The most encouraging thing about the win was the continuing emergence of a third offensive weapon in Erez Krengel. Dallas Academy has still never won against Yavneh. The game was a defensive struggle for most of the first half. Yavneh trailed 6-5 after the first quarter, getting all of its scoring from Krengel. The second quarter showed signs of promise as Yavneh continuously turned over Dallas Academy and was able to get Super Soph David Naxon out in transition for some easy scores. Towards the end of the half, however, Yavneh fell into their own typical turnover trap, keeping Dallas Academy in the game with those same transition baskets. Yavneh led 16-15 at the half. The Bulldogs came out fighting to start the second half. More defensive pressure got David Naxon out in the open floor and Yavneh built a lead of 22-15. As has been the case most of the season, Yavneh could not handle their moments of success. Turnovers and a Ryan Lands three point goal oft a detensive breakdown allowed the game to be tied at 26-26 after three quarters. The fourth quarter started with another Erez Krengel 5 point explosion to put the Bulldogs ahead for good. The fourth quarter was not short of huge and even unexpected performances. When Amitai Scott went down after tweaking his right leg, Freshman William Zalstein, “The Jedi Knight”, came into the game and delivered two enormous assists when the game was in the balance. Sam Pulitzer took one of his two charges late in the fourth quarter as well, a huge momentum play at the time. With Yavneh holding a trim 34-32 lead with 1:01 to play. David Naxon, Josh Abrams, David Naxon, Josh Abrams, and a revived Amitai Scott knocked down 7 out of 10 free throws to close out the game. The game featured a number of prime time performances. David Naxon registered yet another double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Erez Krengel added 13 points as he continues to be a force for the Bulldogs. Jonathan Collett scored 10 points for Dallas Academy.
Yavneh (10-7) has put their 4 game losing streak behind them and looks to build on the win next Tuesday night.