By Jojo Abecassis ’25
In a highly anticipated playoff matchup, the 17-3 Haldane Blue Devils faced off against the 12-8 Leffell Lions. Junior Russell Wechsler led the Lions in scoring with 16 points as well as totaling 6 assists. Immediately, the Blue Devils jumped out to an early lead. By the end of the first quarter, Haldane was winning by 13, and kept their foot on the pedal, leading by a score of 38-15 at the end of the first half.
Coming out of the half, the Lions, led by Junior Russell Wechsler, made some key adjustments, playing with a sense of urgency that helped them gain momentum to cut the lead down to 16 at the end of the third quarter.
Haldane, led by seniors Mathew Nachamkin and Michael Murray, pressed hard in the final quarter, overcoming the Lions tenacity. Ultimately, the Blue Devils ran away with the lead and defeated the Lions by a score of 64-49.
This was the biggest game in Boys Varsity Basketball history, with a record attendance. Over hundreds of students from TLS showed up to the Westchester County Center to provide support. Following the game, lower school students requested autographs from the team.
Junior Russell Wechsler reflected on the defeat which brought the historic season to a close.
“It was actually a successful season,” Wechsler said. “It’s the most wins we’ve ever had in school history. We made our first sectional finals ever.”
It was the first time two players received All-Conference awards, as Wechsler and senior Will Hirsch both made All-Conference.
“Overall it was a successful season, but obviously we wish we would have ended a little differently.”
Congrats to our Lions on a remarkable and memorable season!
