Hillel Heat Flame Out, lose to TABC Storm, 55-30

In the Tier 1 3^rd place game, the #3 TABC Storm went up against the #4 Hillel Heat. Both teams agreed to turn the matchup into a bench game and rest their starters. While the Heat showcased new talent and impressive teamwork early, the Storm’s athleticism and relentless energy proved too much to handle.

The first half was a low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Hillel’s Bobby Segura suffered a painful injury that sidelined him for the rest of the first quarter, a setback that briefly disrupted their flow. Still, the Heat edged out a slim 9-7 lead at the end of the opening quarter, thanks to their height advantage and solid shooting.

The second quarter saw TABC begin to leverage their speed and athleticism. Both teams traded baskets in a fast-paced but scrappy frame, with missed shots and turnovers characterizing much of the play. TABC pulled ahead just before halftime, heading into the break with a 20-16 lead. Coaches from both teams emphasized the need for a strong second-half effort during their halftime huddles.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to the Storm. After a relatively even third quarter, TABC erupted in the fourth, scoring an astounding 20 points while holding Hillel scoreless. The Storm’s defense was impenetrable, forcing turnovers and converting fast breaks with ease. Their offensive rhythm, spearheaded by quick ball movement and confident finishing, left Hillel scrambling to keep up.

By the final buzzer, TABC had turned a once-close game into a lopsided victory, securing a decisive 55-30 win. While Hillel’s early efforts showed promise, the second-half dominance of TABC showcased why their speed and athleticism make them a formidable opponent. The leading scorer for the Storm was Shlomo Wenger with 13 points while the Heat were led by Dylan Chomali and Leyed Teren with 6 points in defeat.