By Noah Ohayon

In the heart of Robinson, Texas — just outside of Waco — a high school gymnasium pulses with uncontainable energy. A sea of red, white and navy blue floods the stands, representing the colors of the Akiba Yavneh Academy Bulldogs, a school that had just cemented itself in high school basketball history.

When the Bulldogs earned the TAPPS 3A title on Feb. 27 with a 55-45 win over Live Oak Classical, they made history as the first Jewish high school basketball team to capture multiple state titles.

Defined by resilience and camaraderie, the Bulldogs’ journey to the pinnacle of high school hoops was one to remember.

Heading into the season, Head Coach Zack Pollack had high expectations, but faced early challenges with a large 16-man roster and significant turnover from the previous year. Despite a 0-5 start to the season at the Glouberman tournament in Los Angeles, battling against the top Jewish squads in the country, the team used the experience to grow, later proving their potential in a hard-fought pre-district game against 3A state-title favorite Faith Academy.

Though they ultimately lost to Faith Academy by seven points, Pollack emphasized that the game brought several positive takeaways and was a true turning point in the season. He noted this contest showcased AYA’s defensive potential, particularly junior guard Brendy Eber, who locked down one of the top guards in the state and proved himself as a game-changing defender. Eber’s defensive prowess would prove to be a crucial component in the team’s future district success, shutting down talented opposing district guards.

Beyond Eber’s standout defensive performance, the game proved just how much potential the entire team had.

“Even though we lost, we came out of it knowing exactly where we stood,” Pollack said. “We had gone toe-to-toe with the team favored to win 3A and that gave us confidence. We knew we had what it took to compete at the highest level and win our district.”

As the season progressed, Pollack realized that a key factor in the team’s success was the strong bond between the players and the coaching staff.

“I think what made things go so well was that the players felt like the coaching staff was truly with them, like friends who had their backs,” he said. “It was about fighting alongside their teammates, knowing their coaches were right there with them, supporting them every step of the way.”

Beginning district play, the Bulldogs faced a new set of challenges.

“This was the best our district has ever been,” said Pollack. “There were three really solid teams — us, Lakehill Preparatory School and Chisholm Trail Academy. All had elite, high-level guards.”

Despite the elevated competition, AYA beat Lakehill in their first matchup, securing a gritty comeback win on the road. In the Bulldogs’ first road game against Chisholm Trail, they struggled and suffered a tough blowout loss.

Instead of panicking, Pollack focused on their bigger goal.

“We knew we had both of these teams at home later in the season,” he said. “If we took care of business, we could win the district title.”

Playing Lakehill and Chisholm Trail at home in the span of two days, AYA responded, winning both games convincingly. Against Lakehill, Eber shut down their star guard Drew Perry, limiting him to just five shot attempts from the field. Pollack highlighted this game was also a breakout moment for senior forward Darren Sacher, whose athleticism was on full display with an electric chase down block and countless runs to the rim.

With these victories, the Bulldogs secured the district title and ultimately embraced the challenge of facing powerhouse Abilene Christian in the regional final, setting the stage for a deep championship run.

“Ever since our second meeting against Lakehill, every single successive game was the greatest feeling of my life, winning these games with these kids and seeing them accomplished and happy,” Pollack said. “Every week, we had another game where we were just killing it. They were happy, I was happy and I think that vibe really carried us through the state championship.”

Going into the state championship game, the Bulldogs were battle-tested and fully prepared for the challenge — and they delivered.

After AYA built a commanding 15-point lead in the second half, Live Oak stormed back with an 18-1 run, holding a five-point lead for a brief moment. However, the Bulldogs remained unfazed. Pollack praised his players for their courageous mental toughness during the Live Oak scoring barrage, not letting the run rattle them and instead adapting on the fly.

Switching to Assistant Coach Jared Katz’s “warrior” zone defense during a timeout, AYA flipped the game in their favor, shutting down the Live Oak offense for the remainder of the contest, helping them secure the school’s first state championship since 2020 and etching their names into history.

At the end of the season, the Bulldogs earned several individual honors. Sacher was named TAPPS 3A District 2 MVP and selected for the TAPPS 3A All-Tournament Team. Eber received TAPPS 3A District 2 Defensive Player of the Year and also made the TAPPS 3A All-Tournament Team. Junior forward Aeden Haviv was also recognized with a spot on the TAPPS 3A All-Tournament Team.

Pollack highlighted the deeper significance of the team’s success, recognizing that its impact on the community went beyond basketball.

“It’s so much pride to make the Jewish community proud — especially with everything that is going on in the world — and to give us something positive that we can put our energy into,” he said. “To give a forum to help express prayer and thought for bringing the remaining hostages home. There’s so much kavod when we are doing that every day.”

For Pollack, success isn’t measured in wins and losses but in the lasting effect the season-long journey has on his players’ lives.

“I always look at a second scoreboard, not just the one in the gym but the one that measures the impact on these kids’ lives,” he said. “Of course, winning means a lot to me, to the school and to the community. But above all, it’s about what these kids take away and the lessons they learn from the experience and journey. That’s what truly matters.”