The LDP team show off their first-place medals.
On January 17th, PPI – ME’s male and female LDP squads traveled to the city of Even Yehuda to participate in the American International School’s (AIS) annual “Peace League” game day. The tournament, exclusively for high school-aged youth, brought together teams from Israel and the West Bank for an afternoon of friendly competition.
Receiving game-time instructions from Vito Gilic.
Both PPI – ME teams played a first-round game against the Bethlehem School, with the winner advancing to the championship match. Despite an even score until the final minutes, the LDP Boys lost a hard-fought first game and went on to play the Jerusalem School for third place.
Using a stifling full-court press that forced numerous turnovers, the LDP Girls beat the Bethlehem School by 20 points in their first-round matchup. The team employed this winning strategy again in the championship game against the AIS squad, which they also defeated by a margin of 20. In recognition of their achievement, the girls received gold medals and a first-place trophy at the end of the day.
Going strong to the basket.
PPI – ME has participated in the AIS “Peace League” for several years, and is proud to have brought a girls’ team for the first time this programming season. For the players from Beit Safafa, Esawiah, Katamon, Jaffa and Beit Shemesh, the tournament provided an opportunity to bond and to gain experience playing against other skilled opponents. Both LDP teams are now eagerly preparing for the next “Peace League,” to be held in February 2010.
Below are a few more images from the day’s events:
Going for a steal.
Shooting under pressure.
D-ing up.
