The Sid Jacobson JCC Rockets, a third grade team playing in the Island Garden Super League, won the Third Grade Championship.

The Rockets jumped ahead early in the game leading 7-0 in the first quarter with great defense against top seeded Plainview-Old Bethpage Hawks.

The Hawks came back and tied the game at 11 in the second quarter. The Rockets maintained a lead throughout and were able to hold off the Hawks and win by a score of 23-19.

The Rockets won with a balanced scoring attack, fast breaks and pressure defense. The defense was lead by Ethan Rousso, Max Efros and Brandon Goldberg, who swarmed and created havoc. Austin Lederer contributed heavily under the boards. Kyle Galin displayed poise and direction at point guard. Graeme Gelbard fired up the offense off the bench, while Donald Hazelton and Griffin Goldberg added timely baskets. Ultimately the fast break, lead by Nicky Markman and Zach Michaels, was just too much for the Hawks to handle. Matthew Kramer iced the game with two perfect free throws in the final seconds.

The Rockets, coached by Victor Rousso and Rob Michaels, entered the playoffs in full stride. Coming off a sweep in the Garden City third grade Tournament at St. Paul's, The Rockets were seeded second in the Island Garden Playoffs and received a first round bye. They then beat the Garden City Wildcats 27-18 to reach the Finals.

This was the first travel team experience for the boys. They displayed tremendous character all year, putting in long hours and making sacrifices both on and off the court. Their hard work showed in the second half of the season as they played with poise under pressure, allowing them to rise above all the other teams and win the championship.