Memphis Yeshiva Invitational

Lions Shock the Kingdom! #8 NSHA Stuns Top-Seeded LA Club United 53–48 in Tier I Upset

In a game that sent shockwaves through the Tier I bracket, the #8-seeded North Shore Hebrew Academy LIONS roared louder than ever, knocking off the undefeated #1-seeded LA Club United Wildcats in a stunning 53–48 victory. It was a masterclass in composure, teamwork, and fearless basketball — the kind of upset that turns tournaments upside down.

From the opening tip, NSHA played with nothing to lose and everything to prove. The LIONS attacked with confidence, matching the Wildcats’ star power shot-for-shot and refusing to back down. Charlie Sassoon led the charge with 15 points, continuing his tournament hot streak and hitting clutch buckets in the game’s biggest moments. A. Sanandaji poured in 14, showing poise under pressure, while B. Levian (13 points) and A. Kohanim (11) gave the Lions a four-headed scoring attack that kept LA guessing all game.

On the other side, the Wildcats — led by Grayson Coleman’s 15 points and N. Abergel’s 11 — came out firing, but struggled to shake the gritty NSHA defense. Each time LA clawed back, the Lions responded with a dagger: a Sanandaji drive, a Levian jumper, or a Sassoon pull-up that silenced the top seed’s rally.

The game’s defining moment came in the closing minutes. With LA cutting the deficit to three, NSHA calmly executed a flawless offensive set that ended with Kohanim drilling a midrange jumper to stretch the lead back to five. The Lions’ bench erupted, sensing what was about to happen — a historic upset.

When the final buzzer sounded, the underdogs had done the unthinkable: NSHA 53, LA Club United 48. The #8 seed had taken down the juggernaut, sending the crowd into disbelief and the Lions into celebration.

This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. The Lions didn’t just beat the best; they outplayed them in every facet. And as the tournament marches on, one thing is clear: the pride of North Shore has arrived, and no one in Tier I is safe.

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