Hometown Heroes: Cooper Macs Claim First Win with Thrilling 50-43 Victory Over Beren

The Cooper Macs gave their hometown fans a game to remember on Saturday night, battling the Beren Stars in a tense and electrifying matchup. With both teams hungry for their first win of the tournament, the game showcased relentless effort, heart, and a determination to come out on top. The Macs delivered, securing a hard-fought 50-43 victory that had the home crowd on its feet.

The first quarter set the tone for a competitive showdown. Cooper’s Jack Kampf scored the opening basket two minutes into the game, but Beren’s Rafi Miller quickly took the lead with a smooth three-pointer—the first of many for the night. The Macs kept pace, with Benny Freiden and Daniel Kahane contributing key points, but Miller dominated early, scoring all 11 of Beren’s points in the quarter. Despite his efforts, the Macs’ steady play kept them close, ending the quarter trailing by just one, 11-10.

The Macs found their groove in the second quarter. Beren’s Yellin opened the scoring with a three-pointer, but Jonah Siegel immediately answered for Cooper with a triple of his own. The teams traded three-pointers, with Miller and Kampf lighting up the scoreboard. As the game reached its midpoint, Benny Freidan broke a 19-19 tie with a critical basket that gave the Macs their first lead of the night, 21-19. From there, Cooper methodically slowed the game, maintaining control and heading into halftime with a narrow 24-21 advantage.

The third quarter saw both teams return with renewed intensity. Fans cheered louder, defenses tightened, and the game grew even more physical. Midway through the quarter, the score was tied 30-30, with turnovers increasing as the pressure mounted. Cooper’s Jack Kampf delivered a momentum-shifting three-pointer, but Beren’s Rafi Miller refused to back down, scoring and drawing a foul for a three-point play. The quarter ended with the Macs holding on to a slim 37-35 lead, setting up a thrilling finish.

The final quarter belonged to the Macs, who showed grit and poise under pressure. Ethan Vanderwalde opened the scoring, extending Cooper’s lead, and Eli Weisfogel—affectionately known as “The Jiggler”—sank a critical three-pointer that energized the home crowd. Beren’s Rafi Miller continued to shine, adding another basket to keep his team within reach, but the Macs refused to yield. With just a minute remaining, Weisfogel sealed the game with a fearless drive to the hoop, followed by two clutch free throws, putting the game out of reach.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Cooper Macs emerged victorious, 50-43. It was a true team effort, with standout performances from everyone. The Macs’ determination and resilience paid off, earning them their first win of the tournament and leaving their hometown fans buzzing with pride.

The Macs are officially on the board, and with momentum on their side, they’re poised to make their mark in this tournament.