Ramaz Hosts and Wins Its Biggest-Ever Gyenes Tournament, Featuring the Inaugural Omer Neutra Award

Ramaz proudly hosted its largest Sam Gyenes z”l Memorial Basketball Tournament in its 38-year history, welcoming a record 12 teams—six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams—from around the country. The boys’ teams featured Ramaz, Yavneh Dallas, Jewish Culture of Fort Lauderdale, Maimonides, HA Miami, and North Shore, while the girls’ bracket included Ramaz, Yavneh Dallas, Maimonides, HA Miami, Magen David Yeshiva, and North Shore.

Founded in 1987, the tournament honors Sam Gyenes z”l, a beloved Ramaz student who tragically passed away at the age of 16, at the end of his sophomore year. Each year, the event brings together athletes, families, and schools to celebrate the values Sam embodied: good sportsmanship, friendship, menschlichkeit, and the best of the Ramaz spirit.

Thursday night, athletes enjoyed an opening ceremony, where they had the special opportunity to hear from Head of School Dr. Noam Wasserman and Sam’s uncle, Peter Gyenes ’63. Competition began with the start of the three-game round-robin. Teams battled through Thursday and Friday, fighting for one of the four coveted semifinal spots. By Friday afternoon, the semifinal matchups were set:

Boys Semifinals

• North Shore vs. Jewish Culture
• Ramaz vs. HA Miami

Girls Semifinals

• Ramaz vs. Yavneh Dallas
• North Shore vs. HA Miami

On Shabbat, competition paused, allowing athletes to connect through shared meals and activities that fostered friendship and deepened their understanding of Sam’s enduring legacy. Shabbat featured an address from wounded IDF soldier Itay, visiting through the nonprofit the Irgun. Itay survived a devastating ambush during the war in Israel, and his message of resilience and hope resonated with all attendees, enriching an already special weekend. Saturday evening, attendees heard an inspirational address from Julie Menin, who is poised to be the first Jewish speaker of the NY State Assembly.

Playing resumed Saturday night, and, amazingly, both the girls’ and boys’ championship games were Ramaz vs North Shore. Before tipoff, the community gathered for the inaugural presentation of the Omer Neutra Award. In memory of hostage Omer Neutra hy”d’s love of basketball, the award recognized one boys’ and one girls’ player who exemplified Omer’s passion, integrity, and commitment to his family and the Jewish community. Ramaz had the honor to welcome Omer’s parents to present the award personally. It was a deeply moving ceremony, elevated by a stirring performance of “Mapal” by Ramaz seniors Racheli V. (vocals) and Nate B. (guitar), honoring all victims of October 7.

Inspired and energized by this powerful ceremony, players headed into their championship games. The RAMDOME overflowed with students, families, alumni, and community members, creating an electric environment for the highly anticipated final. The outcome was a perfect celebration of achdut: both schools took home victories! Mazal tov to the North Shore girls and to our Ramaz boys on winning their respective championships!

As the boys’ game began, Stanley C. ’26 anchored the defense, while strong plays from Alon S. ’26 and Noah H. ’27 built Ramaz a lead before halftime. The Rams continued their momentum in the second half behind the defensive tenacity of Emanuel K. ’27 and more scoring from Alon. In Asaf S. ’26 scored a key basket, and Coaches Scott Ferguson and Max Zakheim inserted Moses N. ’27, who delivered instantly with four quick points. When the final buzzer sounded, Ramaz defeated North Shore 40–28, in front of a jubilant home crowd. Kol hakavod to Tournament boys’ MVP winner Stanley C., whose defense skills and leadership propelled Ramaz to the title.

This historic tournament would not have been possible without Ms. Eva Bernfeld, tournament coordinator, as well as the tireless efforts of the Institutional Advancement Office, Ramaz faculty, Upper School Student Ambassadors, host families, volunteers, and the entire Ramaz community. Their commitment to hospitality, organization, and spirit ensured a weekend that honored Sam Gyenes’ memory in the most meaningful way.

We are grateful to the Gyenes Family and the Sam Gyenes Memorial Fund for allowing Ramaz to host such a meaningful tournament and honor Sam’s legacy.