The Sid Jacobson JCC Jammers, a 4th grade team playing in the 5th grade division of the Super League improved its record to 3-2 this past week at Island Garden in West Hempstead. After a disappointing "at the wire" loss to St. Rose in their season debut and then a pasting at the hands of Yorkville, the Jammers reverted to last year's form and posted three solid victories. Coached by David Rothman and Jeff Gould, the team plays an intelligent, up-tempo brand of basketball. Their exciting style of play combined with their enthusiasm contributes mightily to their league leading average attendance figures.

On Nov. 23, the Jammers pounded St. Bernard's by a score of 47-33 in front of a packed house. St. Bernard's kept things interesting early on and at the half the score was tied at 19. Evidently the Jammers were lulling their opponent into a comfort zone by only occasionally showing a man-2-man press in the first half, but they came out in full force in the third quarter. They unleashed their 1-3-1 full court press and the pressure led to four consecutive turnovers, which put them on a 10-2 run. The Jammers ended up coasting to an easy double-digit victory. Led by Andrew Wolfe's 10 second half points (14 for the game), they outscored St Bernard's 28-14 the rest of the way. Michael Lefcort (8 points) and Eli Rousso (7) helped pace the Jammers.

In a highly anticipated contest, on December 1, the Jammers defeated the Garden City Grey team 37-17. The game was never close as the Jammers took an early lead and were never challenged. Andrew Wolfe (11) and Ben Rothman (9) led all scoring, but it was the electrifying defense by the backcourt - Michael Kobrick (4), Lefcort (4), Rothman and Michael Shenfeld (5) - that stole the show. Garden City never had a chance to breathe as these four lightening quick guards created havoc within the structure of the Jammers alternating 1-3-1 trap and run and jump man-2-man press. Controlling the boards were Lucas Schulman (2), Ethan Back and Jason Clark (2) while Keith Gould and Eli Rousso shared the job of patrolling the passing lanes and starting many of the fast breaks with dazzling steals. In the grand tradition of Hawthorne Wingo, the crowd began the cheer for and got a few minutes from guard Kenny Rothman who started the fourth quarter and registered one assist and one board.

Finally, on December 7 the Jammers outlasted Bellmore/Merrick 36-30 in a very physical contest. The Jammers had a halftime lead of 15-13, but a furious back and forth third quarter left the game tied at 24 going into the final period. The Jammers relentless defensive pressure finally began to wear down Bellmore/Merrick and as a result they outscored them 12-2 down the stretch before finally surrendering two harmless baskets as the clock ran out. Lucas Schulman (4) and Andrew Wolfe (14) dominated the boards against the very tough (and very large) Bellmore/Merrick frontline. Michael Lefcort, playing with four fouls for much of the second half, had 7 points and Eli Rousso came alive at the right time scoring his 4 points in the final period.

The Jammers' next game is against the formidable Great Neck Wolfpack on December 15 at 6 p.m. at Island Garden. Tickets are still available at the Island Garden Box Office.