Kids Take on Parents in Thanksgiving Game

December 3, 2008

Kids take on Parents in Thanksgiving Weekend Varsity-Alumni Basketball Game

For the first time in MJBHA’s history, parents squared off against their kids in the Varsity-Alumni basketball game.

While the game has always been fast-paced and exciting, this year brought something new—alumni of MJBHA playing against their children, who are currently attending MJBHA.

On the men’s side, alumnus Jonny Charnoff (Class of ‘83) played for the Alumni team against his son Josh Charnoff (class of ’11). On the women’s side, alumnus Judy Slyper (graduated high school in 1969, but MJBHA only went through 9th grade) played against her daughter, senior Adina Slyper (class of ’09).

The alumni men won the men’s game, while the varsity girls beat the alumni women. But either way, it was exciting. About 150 spectators witnessed the games, and provided plenty of ruach.

“It was a great experience because guys came back from both championship years, 2001 and 2005,” said Coach Achhammer. “It’s really great to see the alumni stay in touch and still care about the team. They showed great concern for the current players and went over and wanted to connect with them. The alumni also gave the current students some pointers about how they could play even better.”

Adina Slyper, who is currently on the Varsity Girls’ basketball team, had one request of her mother—not to embarrass her. Judy Slyper said she heeded that advice, even if it meant foregoing a good opportunity. Coincidentally, Judy Slyper got a jersey with the number 32—her daughter’s number as well.

But that doesn’t mean Judy Slyper didn’t give it her all.

“I played defense, although I never got my hands on the ball. But if they told me to cover someone, I covered them, and then they never got their hands on the ball,” she said.

Jonny Charnoff, who played wing and point guard on MJBHA’s basketball team in the 80’s, played against son Josh, who played point guard.

Although Charnoff is proud of his time playing basketball, he’s also a realist. “I’m proud that he enjoys basketball as much as I did, but it’s difficult to accept the reality that his skills have already surpassed mine!”