10-31-2013 | Stars knock off Warriors, 53-47

10-31-2013 | Stars knock off Warriors, 53-47

By: Tani Finkelstein

The #4 Northshore Hebrew Academy Stars took on the #13 Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Warriors. It was a strongly contested battle for most of the game. The first 2 quarters were relatively low-scoring for both teams, with the score 21-20, in favor of the Warriors at the end of the half. Guard Morris Esformes provided some scoring for the Warriors, finishing the half with 11 points.

In the 3rd quarter, Esformes continued scoring for the Warriors, but Northshore forward Josh Cohen continued to keep Northshore in reach. Midway through the quarter, Esformes drained an impressive long two-pointer while drawing contact and the Warriors’ bench erupted. That nice shot set the stage for a nice run for the Warriors, in which they began to pull away. Northshore however, ended the quarter on 9-0 run, cutting their deficit to 1, and gaining momentum entering the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, North Shore came out strong, and took the lead by four early in the quarter. The Warriors, however, stayed in reach. With 2 minutes left in the fourth, Northshore guard Avery Lubin hit a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 9 for Northshore. Northshore looked in control for most of the fourth, and despite two clutch threes and a game-high 26 points from Morris Esformes, Northshore was able to pull away for 53-47 victory.