Yavneh defeated Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep 65-20 Monday night on SENIOR NIGHT. The win improves the Bulldogs season record to 27-3 (10-1).
Yavneh honored their 4 Seniors, forced 32 turnovers, and attempted more than double the shots of their opponent in a runaway 10th district victory Monday. The Bulldogs started this crucial final week of district play by blitzing Cristo Rey and leaving no doubt past the first period. Griffin Levine Jr immediately assisted Senior tri-captain for a Senior finish at the rim to begin the scoring. Another tri-captain Zach Epstein swiped the first of 24 team steals and Noah Rubinstein (also a tri-captain Senior) own-followed his way to the free throw line for a 5-0 lead. Chernikov and Epstein played role reversal as the post lobbed for the shooting guard and a 7-0 beginning. An undersized Cristo Rey front line was no match for a determined Chernikov who traditionally destroys such defenses. A pair of AND ONE finishes for DC21, a steal for an easy finish, and a great dish to Senior Liad Guttman notched Yavneh to a 21-1 advantage. The Senior class remarkably tallied all 21 points until a Rubinstein helper to Eli Minsky finally gave the underclassmen a bucket. Junior sensations Pierce Bell and Micah Romaner hooked up to end the first period in brilliant 25-4 fashion. Chernikov’s 13 points, 13 forced turnovers of the Fire, and a 15-4 rebounding edge really made this game little to no contest from the start. Minsky drilled another three pointer and Guttman went on his own steal/layup run to extend the lead to 30-4. Cristo Rey was outmatched at both ends of the court all night long. The Bulldogs shared the ball well as is always the case when they are playing well. Freshman Jonah Eber collected 4 steals and delivered 3 assists for the game in a gritty effort. Micah Romaner was a perfect 2/2 from the field and blocked a pair of shots as well. A 45-9 halftime lead for Yavneh left absolutely no doubt down the stretch as the Seniors all came up large on their night. Some of the exchanges between Bell and Chernikov were a work of art down the stretch with layup after layup resulting. The significance and emotion of the night got so heavy that, even after the Seniors exited the game with 2:11 to play in the game, Romaner felt the need to assist Rubinstein even off the court. Daniel Chernikov led the way with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks in another thorough performance. Liad Guttman exploded for 11 points and 5 steals as he continues to make his way back to full strength. Zach Epstein added 7 points and Noah Rubinstein collected 6 rebounds while dishing out 5 assists to pace the Bulldogs.
Yavneh (27-3) has indeed run the table with 6 straight wins (5 on the court) since slipping up at Heritage Christian. They are now just one revenge win over that Eagles team away from grabbing a share of the district title. There is no question that the Bulldogs are looking forward to the opportunity that awaits them Thursday. Heritage did not get Yavneh’s best shot at the offensive, defensive, rebounding, ball security, intangibles, shooting, or any end in between on that fateful Thursday night three weeks to the day from when the teams will lace up their ankle braces once again. Heritage has struggled in but won most of their games since the victory over the Bulldogs, specifically on the road. That could become a major issue for the undefeated in district squad as it has now been a full year since The Red-and-Black absorbed a defeat in their building.
The Kennel Report, now in its 13th season, is written by…
Zack Pollack CTDC M&M
TL-BW-SP-BR