Aaron Neufeld played in the Sarachek Tournament for Hebrew Academy of Miami in 1999 and 2000. His son, Nathan, was a junior for Frisch this year and hit one of the biggest shots in tournament history, a 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat Yeshiva League champion DRS in the opening round.
Playing in the Sarachek tournament was one of the highlights of my high school basketball career. The energy, the competition, and the sense of community made it an unforgettable experience. I still remember stepping onto that court at Yeshiva University, representing Hebrew Academy from Miami on the biggest Yeshiva League stage, and embracing the challenge of going up against the best Jewish teams from across the country. With only one other Jewish school in our league back then, Sarachek was more than just a tournament, it was a celebration of pride, unity, and moments we’d never forget. It’s impressive to see how much the tournament has evolved, and yet still holds the same passion and significance.
I was fortunate enough to play in the tournament twice. In 1999, we were happy just to be here, we dropped our opening game, but quickly regrouped and won the Tier 3 Championship. In 2000, we returned with a sharper focus and made a strong run before falling to the eventual champions, YULA, in the semifinals.
25 years later, sitting court-side, and watching my son, Nathan Neufeld, play for Frisch in the same tournament felt surreal. Seeing him hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer against DRS, was euphoric. It was a moment that our family will forever embrace. It proved to everyone that hard work and determination goes a long way. As a father, there’s no greater joy than watching your child succeed and experience something that meant so much to you at their age. I’m beyond proud of him, not just for his unforgettable shot, but for the way he carries himself on and off the court.
Nathan and the Frisch Cougars will be back next year, hungry for that Tier 1 Championship.
