JNS
Point guard Max Zakheim helped the team go on a five-game winning streak.
Coming into the season, the Yeshiva University Maccabees (“Macs”) in New York City knew that with no dominant centers or power forwards, the team would have to rely heavily on shooting guard Zevi Samet. While that has been the case, the elevated play of point guard Max Zakheim has made the team a much stronger force, and he notched a season-high 38 points in a dramatic comeback 91-81 victory over the St. Joseph’s University Golden Eagles (Long Island, New York) on Jan. 18.
Zakheim drove past defenders seemingly at will to get to the basket. He was named Skyline Conference “Player of the Week” on Jan. 22.
The team is 7-1 in conference play and 10.7 overall.
Zakheim’s 16.2 points per game is second-best on the team, leading the Macs in assists and steals with 59 and 36, respectively. On Saturday night, he scored 15 points with seven assists and five rebounds as YU beat the College of Old Westbury (Long Island, N.Y.) 81-62.
“I’ve definitely been looking to attack the basket more and put pressure on the defense,” the 6-foot student player told JNS. “We had a tough non-conference schedule, and we’re happy to be winning our conference games because we think we’re the crème of the crop, but there’s work to be done, and on any night, any team can beat you.”
Of having to get up at about 5:15 a.m. for 6 a.m. morning practices, Zakheim, who is from Bergenfield, N.J., said it’s not such a big deal.
“I’m a morning person anyway,” he said. “You get used to it. It makes you strong.”
The New Jersey resident, who attended The Frisch School, a Modern Orthodox high school in Paramus, said he is a fan of the Knicks basketball team and Mets baseball.
Zakheim noted that he follows a healthy diet, though he occasionally snacks on “Gushers” (a chewy, fruit-flavored candy with a hechsher) because he has a sweet tooth.
‘Great chemistry’
Defenses, however, have been sour trying to stop the dynamic duo of Zakheim and Samet, who is from Monsey, N.Y., and is the team’s top scorer, averaging 20.2 points per game.
“We train together and have gotten to know how we play, so with me going to the basket and him being able to hit threes, it makes it difficult for defenses,” said Zakheim, adding that he tries to do whatever the team needs—whether it is diving for a loose ball, taking a charge or revving up the team with energy.
He said his favorite course was a business communications class that taught him to use his voice. Zakheim also pointed out that he was dubbed the “Red Rocket” due to a combination of his hair color and speedy dribbling. In one game, he was a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line.
“I just relax and don’t think about anything,” he said.
He said he is inspired by his parents and the rest of his family, who have instilled in him a strong work ethic.
The Macs won their last game in overtime, beating St. Joseph’s University (Brooklyn, N.Y.), 92-85. He had 17 points in that game, as well as 23 points, four assists, four steals and four rebounds in a victory over Mount Saint Mary College (Newburgh, N.Y.).
Zakheim said he and Samet play well off each other, and, of course, other players contribute and know the system, which includes rapid passing and tight defense, under Coach Elliot Steinmetz.
“The two of us have great chemistry, and I think the team does as well,” he said. “We have confidence because we know that we are prepared, have the ability and the game plan, and put in the maximum effort.”
Forward Roy Itcovichi averages 8.2 points and 4.2 boards per game, while forward Luke Cronin leads the team in blocks with 17 and leads as well as a squad-best 5.5 rebounds per game.
YU takes on arch-rival Farmingdale State on Jan. 29.