TOURNAMENT UNITES THE COMMUNITY
MARVIN AZRAK
AS THE SUN ROSE SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 23RD, 20 TEAMS CONSISTING OF THE COMMUNITY’S 100 BEST BASKETBALL PLAYERS, PLUS ATHLETES IN A MULTITUDE OF OTHER SPORTS, WOKE UP WITH DREAMS OF REACHING THE TOP OF THE SUMMIT. THEY WERE READY TO TAKE PART IN THE MOST COMPETITIVE DAY OF THE YEAR, THE LEGENDARY MDY HIGH HEAT AND HOT SHOT TOURNAMENTS, IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH SUTTON A”H.
This yearly event takes place at Jeff and Rachel Sutton’s home, bringing together the best players from the community, regardless of age or background, to battle it out in a multitude of sporting events, for the title of the best team/best player in the community. It requires both mental strength and physical fortitude.
Joe Sutton is the Hot Shot architect who worked hard to create balanced rosters for the tournament. Instead of simply having a dynamic duo take over, he wanted a team of togetherness to win the championship. After 18 years of organizing this annual basketball tournament, Sutton felt satisfied as he looked at how far it had come since its inception in 2005. “I started this tournament in eighth grade, and look what it became,” he said. Sutton is humbled that his childhood court is the venue for this annual coronation. However, he also recognizes that this day is more significant than sports. It’s a day when everyone comes together to honor the greatest dynasty in the world.
“I like to root for dynasties,” Rabbinical Leader of Magen David Yeshivah, Rabbi Eli Mansour, said in his speech honoring the day. “The New York Yankees had a dynasty in the ‘50s. They had a dynasty in the ‘60s. They had a dynasty in the ‘70s and 90’s. The Los Angeles Lakers had a dynasty in the ‘80s and 2000s. The Dallas Cowboys had a dynasty in the 90’s. The Montreal Canadiens constantly won the Stanley Cup in the ‘70s,” the Rabbi said, “But the most successful dynasty in the world isn’t the Yankees, Lakers, or Canadiens.” The greatest dynasty in the world is Magen David Yeshivah.”
Rachel and Jeff Sutton stood nearby, watching the events unfold in their backyard. The success of Magen David Yeshivah has always been a priority for them, and events like this help them raise funds for the institution. The school’s freshman enrollment is at a record high, and their senior internship rate is 100%. The Sutton family has played a crucial role in this success. Yet despite the aftermath of repair to their backyard, the annual gathering at their house has become a cherished tradition involving the entire community.
Every summer sport was represented in fierce competitions. Spikeball, beach volleyball, backgammon, dodgeball, tennis, pickleball, and of course, basketball.
By midday, only 12 teams of five remained. As the sun set, the question remained: who would win Hot Shot?
School, warmed up on Center Court Sunday morning, he couldn’t help but think of the two words his Warrior Coaches, Benny Mann and Joey Dayon, instilled in him: “Dream Big.” This same mantra inspired the two men to launch Dream Basketball Camp in the summer of 2020, starting on a backyard court in Fort Hoops, in New Jersey. The program has significantly expanded, helping to shape the community’s next wave of Yeshiva League and basketball stars. Parents have praised the coaching of Mann and Dayon, saying that their children feel like they get the most out of themselves when training with them. Next to Haber were four fellow high school ballers ready to embark on a momentous journey on center court.
One of those ballers was fellow MDYHS Senior, Captain Mark Sardar, known for his workmanlike play and intense focus. His mental strength allowed him to stay present, taking deep breaths to calm himself down when needed. He’s a leader on and off the court, even creating an Instagram account, “Dream_Dahaks,” to highlight the fun bloopers of Dream Basketball Camp. As the Hot Shot team captain, he understands that leadership goes beyond on-court prowess.
Next to Sardar and Haber were Beni Keyda, Zack Hassoun, and Moses Smeke. Keda and Hassoun are Flatbush Falcons Varsity stars, while Smeke is the newest offseason addition to the Warriors, transferring from Hillel for his senior season. Together they represented the next generation of community players by putting on a show. They weren’t satisfied with just being there. They came to win. Team Sardar went 2-1 in round-robin play, securing a playoff spot.
They defeated Marc Braha and Steven Levian’s teams but needed to beat Gabe Leifer’s team for a first-round bye (for those who are not familiar with sports terms, a bye means a team that is automatically advanced to the next round of a tournament, without having to play an opponent in an early round). Although Isaac Tawil’s game-winner sent them to the wild card round, they were confident. They beat Levian’s team again and faced them in the quarterfinals, which lived up to the hype.
In an intense clash, Sardar and Leifer fought to a tie, leading to overtime. Sardar’s three-pointer and Haber’s free throw helped them win and advance to the final four. They faced a team led by Eitan Gettenberg and Elliot Dweck, who dominated in group play and beat team Dayon in the quarterfinals.
Against Gettenberg, Beni Keda led Team Sardar to victory with impressive defense and accurate long-range shooting. He tied the game late in regulation, earning “MVP” chants, an award he would later share with Zack Hassoun. Team Sardar then rode the wave of momentum. A three-pointer from Moses Smeke gave them a 16 to 15 lead, but a free throw from Dweck sent the game into overtime. That was where Mark Sardar’s free throws sent his team, the “Slippers,” as dubbed by longtime Hotshot commentator Dee Simmons, to the championship. Joe Sutton’s prediction came true: Sardar and Sharifian were the last two teams standing.
Both Sardar and Sharifian were exhausted at this point in the day, making it a survival of the fittest. Sharifian took an early lead with a three-pointer from Buddy Setton, hoping to maintain their perfect tournament record. However, the young guns were a resilient team, and Sharfian had never faced such a challenge. Team Sardar rallied and won the game 21 to 14 on a mid-range jumper by Hassoun, changing the perception of community basketball.
The boys made history by becoming the youngest team to win Hot Shot in community basketball. Fans marveled at their teamwork and dedication. “They’re so young they can win every year,” a fan said. Maybe they can repeat this feat in 2024. However, the boys’ next focus is their senior seasons in Yeshiva League basketball, where Magen David is poised to dominate.
They’ll be anchored by their new “Big 3” of Mark Sardar, Jack Haber, and Moses Smeke. Throw in Joshua Chabbott, the crown jewel of community hoops. Throw in Philip Sherr, who led his team on a deep run in the High Heat tournament. Throw in Jacob and Alfonse Shiloach, among many others. It’s a powerhouse that’ll be a must-watch each time they take the court. With hard work and big dreams, these boys have what it takes to bring Warriors fans a championship. It’s all right there in front of them.
Amid the MDY High Heat and Hot Shot Tournament’s excitement, the day highlighted the unity of a community as one. Beyond competition, it symbolized a space where diversity faded, and a collective passion for sports and togetherness thrived, reminding everyone that this event was more than just a tournament. It was a celebration of harmony and shared purpose.
MDY would like to express their deepest gratitude for the incredible efforts of the High Heat team, including Michael Chattah, Adina Cohen, Eric Setton, Solly Spigel, and Joe Sutton, along with Gladys Ancona and Sheila Rubin.
Marvin Azrack is a community sportswriter.
