2008 Woodie Awards
Basketball Team Boasts Impressive Win Streak
Goldstein and Vatavu Leading the Way
Elie Goldberg
Issue date: 12/27/04 Section: Sports
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After starting their season with four consecutive losses, the Macs have rebounded in unprecedented fashion by winning seven straight games. They have combined tough defense, timely buckets and strong play from two emerging stars to reverse their early struggles.
Sophomores Roy Goldstein and Harel Vatavu have stepped up their play and each has been recognized by the Skyline Conference for their efforts. Goldstein won Rookie of the Week two weeks ago, while Vatavu won Player of the Week for last week's games.
During the win streak, Goldstein has been Yeshiva's offensive catalyst. Despite opponents' recognition of him as the team's go-to-guy, and facing the toughest defenders, Goldstein has still managed to excel; he is averaging a team best 21.4 points per game, shooting a solid 46%. His versatile game, a tough combination of size and speed, has enabled him to dominate all aspects of the game. In addition to points, he leads the team in three pointers, free throws, and steals.
Vatavu, Yeshiva's best low-post threat, has been a monster in the paint during Yeshiva's recent streak. During Yeshiva's last 4 games, he has averaged nearly 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, including a personal best on Saturday night against St. Joseph's where he netted 29 points on 12/14 shooting. Vatavu is the team's leading rebounder, and he has looked much more comfortable in recent games, adjusting nicely to his role.
"Harel has given us an inside presence which is crucial to our success," said Coach Halpert. "It is very satisfying to see the improvements he has made"
Vatavu's masterful game on Saturday night wasn't the most significant story from Saturday night's game though. With less than ten minutes to play in a one point game, after Macs reserve center Yoni Rothenberg delivered a hard, but legal, foul to a St. Joseph player, he was pursued by the livid, fist-throwing opponent. After everything was seemingly restored to calm, the St. Joe's player again went after Rothenberg's head after the two players bumped into each other at half-court. Rothenberg was issued a technical foul for his role in the melee and the opposing player was ejected.
Sophomores Roy Goldstein and Harel Vatavu have stepped up their play and each has been recognized by the Skyline Conference for their efforts. Goldstein won Rookie of the Week two weeks ago, while Vatavu won Player of the Week for last week's games.
During the win streak, Goldstein has been Yeshiva's offensive catalyst. Despite opponents' recognition of him as the team's go-to-guy, and facing the toughest defenders, Goldstein has still managed to excel; he is averaging a team best 21.4 points per game, shooting a solid 46%. His versatile game, a tough combination of size and speed, has enabled him to dominate all aspects of the game. In addition to points, he leads the team in three pointers, free throws, and steals.
Vatavu, Yeshiva's best low-post threat, has been a monster in the paint during Yeshiva's recent streak. During Yeshiva's last 4 games, he has averaged nearly 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, including a personal best on Saturday night against St. Joseph's where he netted 29 points on 12/14 shooting. Vatavu is the team's leading rebounder, and he has looked much more comfortable in recent games, adjusting nicely to his role.
"Harel has given us an inside presence which is crucial to our success," said Coach Halpert. "It is very satisfying to see the improvements he has made"
Vatavu's masterful game on Saturday night wasn't the most significant story from Saturday night's game though. With less than ten minutes to play in a one point game, after Macs reserve center Yoni Rothenberg delivered a hard, but legal, foul to a St. Joseph player, he was pursued by the livid, fist-throwing opponent. After everything was seemingly restored to calm, the St. Joe's player again went after Rothenberg's head after the two players bumped into each other at half-court. Rothenberg was issued a technical foul for his role in the melee and the opposing player was ejected.