The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 16-year-old Sophia Reich as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The 11th grader at the Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy is a two sport athlete, a vital member of the SAR Sting basketball and softball teams. She helped guide the JV Sting to back to back MYHSAL JV basketball championships and earned MVP recognition each year. As a member of the undefeated 9-0 varsity squad, earlier this year the talented junior hit a huge buzzer beater to help the Sting rally past the Frisch Cougars to take the 2018 Steve Glouberman Tournament. Coach Tali Zelenetz told the JLNJ, “Sophia is a team player. She has excellent court vision and is always looking for open teammates. Despite having an excellent outside shot, Sophia, a true point guard, looks first for her teammates to score. Sophia, one of the shortest players on the team, is not afraid to drive to the basket against taller opponents and even averages two blocks on defense.”
Sophia, congratulations on another great season, and wins in both the Cooper and Glouberman Tournaments. Who are your role models and why?
My role model is my older brother because he taught me so much basketball and growing up watching him play with sportsmanship taught me how to play the right way.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is basketball.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest sports accomplishment is when we won back to back championships in JV basketball.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Kyrie Irving because he creates offense and always finds the open teammate, which is what I try to do when playing.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
My pregame routine is listening to my playlist and I need to dribble up and down the court three times.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is playing basketball in the Riverdale Y and I was one of only three girls in the whole league.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
My weirdest sports memory is when I played a five quarter basketball game because everyone lost track to what quarter we were up to.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
My favorite thing to do when not playing sports is hanging out with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best part of being a Sportstar is that all the hard work I put in paid off.
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
By JLNJ Sports Desk
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