Today, Aran, a local staffer in the Middle East, checks in on the Jerusalem All Stars.
As promised, this season we’ll be following PPI – ME’s two All Stars girls teams – the first teams with players from both East and West Jerusalem to ever play in the highest level of youth basketball in Israel.
The All Stars after their first game, at Pizgat Zev.
The All Stars are fully integrated teams, made of both Jewish girls and Arab girls. The girls on the teams began their work with PPI – ME several years ago. Some have been with PPI – ME since its inception, in 2005, starting off as separate teams – Arab and Jewish – that met about once a week for integrated “twinnings.” They continued to integrate more and more in twinning sessions and joint practices. Personal relations between the girls flourished, along with their on-court connections. At last they were ready to become completely integrated teams. Today these girls have teams in two different age groups: one at the 7th-8th grade level, and the second at the 8th-9th grade level. And even younger players wait in the wings, ensuring that next season and the one after that will see more All Stars play.
Playing in Modi'in
The younger team is currently in second place in its division. It has played 4 games, winning 3 of them and losing one to the as-yet-unbeaten team from Modi’in.
The older team fares even better. It is currently in first place with 6 wins and one loss, fighting head-to head with ASA Givat Ram for the division championship. The team from Givat Ram is an old twinning partner for the All Stars. Even before they played against each other in the official league, the teams met and had matches and joint practices. Despite a growing competitive rivalry, friendship and good spirits remain.
The game of the season so far: The Drama in Nes Ziyona
The older All Stars team has seen some spectacular wins, but the most memorable thus far was an away game at Nes Zyionna. The game went to overtime, and was decided on a buzzer-beater, 98-97.
Both All Star teams have made names for themselves as fighters. When necessary, they compensate for less flash and polish with great desire for the ball. Every win was the result of fierce defense that allowed few fast breaks and easy points. In this way they embody the spirit of PPI: when you work hard, when you believe in yourself and in your peers – you will come out triumphant.
Away Game at ASA Givat Ram in Jerusalem
Special mention is merited by two players. The first is Gal, a Jewish girl, who has proven herself a master of rebounding. There isn’t a game in which she doesn’t rule the paint, sending out fast-breaks in transition and capturing second chances on offense. Another special mention goes to Rennine, an Arab girl. Rennine’s quick-fire offense has won her many points and often decided matches early on. She runs the court in seconds and there is barely anyone on the league who can stop her once she’s in motion. Gal and Rennine are great examples of the devotion that leads not only the All Stars teams, but all activity at PPI – ME.
It’s only halfway through the season, but the girls of the PPI – ME All Stars teams have proven already that they belong with the best of local youth basketball. They walk proud. They come to every practice and every game standing tall, knowing that they lead the way, not only on the basketball court, but also in life – proving that basketball and joint ventures help put aside conflict, and allow friendship and appreciation to bloom.
This project is partially made possible by the generous support of the American people through USAID.
