SKA Sonics
Daphna Steinmetz | JAnuary 9, 2023
The SKA Sonics are currently standing at the number one seed in the MYHSAL. They are working toward an undefeated season. After coming up short in the championship game last year, the team is working harder than ever to win it all this year. The team is led by Coach Batsheva Aaron, Assistant Coach Tess Blaustein, and Captains Zahava Aryeh, Simona Goldberg, and Naomi Sigman. The team’s positive atmosphere has had a huge impact both on and off the court. The basketball team has not only cultivated friendships spanning across grades, but has also significantly increased the school spirit within SKA. The season opener was a successful 71-31 win over HANC. In the following games, the Sonics kept their winning streak alive by beating the opposing teams with ease. The closest game the Sonics experienced was against the Flatbush Falcons. The game was back and forth until the Sonics pulled it together and stepped up their defensive game and secured a 51-37 victory. The most recent game played was versus the HAFTR Hawks which was also a back-and-forth game. The Sonics stayed confident and ended up winning the game by 16 points. The Sonics have one more regular season game left, in which they will take on the Central Wildcats. Since that game will be the last one before playoffs begin, a small ceremony will be held to honor the team’s seniors prior to the start of the game. Some seniors on the team have been playing for the Sonics for four seasons. All students are encouraged to come cheer on and support the team to help them get their 12th straight win!
New leagues
Naomi sigMan, simona goldbeRg, and zehava aryeh | JAnuary 4, 2022
The past couple of years SKA has been playing basketball in the skirt league, but this year we have the opportunity to play in the non skirt league. For us, this means two things, one of which is that our fathers can come watch us. In the non skirt league, our fathers were not allowed to come watch us because that was the league rule. Now, men are allowed to watch us play. The second thing is that the competition is much better. In the skirt league, we play teams that aren’t as dedicated to the sports as the teams in the not skirt league. The last few years we have won the championship, but this year we are going in knowing that while we can do this, it’s going to be more challenging. Another difference between the skirt league and non skirt league is our uniforms. Our uniforms in the skirt league were sweatpants and a short sleeve shirt under our jersey. For the non skirt league our uniforms are a little different. We have to wear skirts with leggings under and a long sleeve shirt under our jerseys so that we are more tznius. In the new sports league, we now have the ability to play against a more wide-range selection of schools, and our fathers can come watch us as well.
The Ins and outs of soccer
Tali Schimmel | June 8, 2021
Soccer is the undisputed, most popular sport in the entire world; not only is it the most played sport, but also it is the most-watched sport. Statisticians state that there are approximately 4 billion soccer fans, which is over half of the world’s population. In 2014, 203 nations attempted qualifications for the World Cup. That is more than the number of countries that participate in the U.N. today. Interestingly though, soccer ranks as the most popular sport in every continent except North America. According to Sports Show TV Ratings, soccer ranks fifth in American TV sports ratings. In this article, we’ll begin to explore some of the factors that contribute to this phenomenon.
The most significant component is how inexpensive and flexible it is to play soccer. Soccer requires very little equipment. All that is needed to play soccer is a ball and two goalposts. In extremely poor countries, children play soccer by using a soda can as a ball and their surroundings to mark the goals. Even if a person is playing soccer on a more competitive level, all he or she would need is a pair of cleats and shin guards. In comparison, baseball requires a ball, bat, mitts for each player, and four bases at the bare minimum. Furthermore, soccer can be played anywhere. Soccer can be played indoors, or outdoors, in concreted or grassy areas. Whereas basketball, a popular American sport, can only be played on a court equipped with a hoop. Due to the low cost required to play soccer and the easy accessibility, soccer has become extremely popular across the world, especially in poorer countries.
Soccer is the most simplistic sport to play. The Top Tens ranks soccer as number one on their list of most simplistic sports. The goal of soccer is straightforward: score the ball without using your hands. Due to its easy nature, young children tend to pick up the game of soccer. Additionally, when watching soccer, it is easy to follow what is happening, especially for people that do not regularly watch sports. In contrast to American football, where only a true fan will be able to turn on the game and be able to fully follow what is happening.
Despite all of this, soccer’s popularity in America is significantly lower than in the rest of the world. This is due to American culture. Americans enjoy being the best; it’s as simple as that. Football, baseball, and basketball are ranked as the most popular sports in the country. It is no coincidence that Americans are the best globally in these three sports. In men’s basketball, for example, the U.S. has won gold medals 15 times in the last 19 Olympics, and they won at least a bronze medal 18 times out of the last 19 competitions. In comparison, in the 2010 Olympics, the men’s soccer team played a total of 400 minutes, yet only held a lead for one out of those 400 minutes. Americans want to play what they are good at and so they do not place as much emphasis on soccer. Soccer also tends to be low scoring, and therefore less exciting. The average points scored in a soccer game is 2-2.7, whereas the average points scored by each team in the NBA per game is 97.
American culture places tremendous value on money and business opportunities and sports are no different. A major way that TV stations make money is through advertisements. Coincidentally, the three most popular sports in America: football, baseball, and basketball, are also the most advertisement friendly. Take baseball for instance: every break between half innings, pitcher substitution, a challenging play, injury delay, weather delay, is more time for advertisements. Soccer, on the other hand, has no timeouts. The only break in a soccer game is between the two 45 minute halves. Therefore soccer games bring in less money than popular American sports.
Across the world, sports play a major role in everyday life. Soccer has its obvious advantages, which have led it to become the most popular sport worldwide. Yet, American culture is much different than its worldwide counterparts, thus leading to a difference in sports popularity.
The most significant component is how inexpensive and flexible it is to play soccer. Soccer requires very little equipment. All that is needed to play soccer is a ball and two goalposts. In extremely poor countries, children play soccer by using a soda can as a ball and their surroundings to mark the goals. Even if a person is playing soccer on a more competitive level, all he or she would need is a pair of cleats and shin guards. In comparison, baseball requires a ball, bat, mitts for each player, and four bases at the bare minimum. Furthermore, soccer can be played anywhere. Soccer can be played indoors, or outdoors, in concreted or grassy areas. Whereas basketball, a popular American sport, can only be played on a court equipped with a hoop. Due to the low cost required to play soccer and the easy accessibility, soccer has become extremely popular across the world, especially in poorer countries.
Soccer is the most simplistic sport to play. The Top Tens ranks soccer as number one on their list of most simplistic sports. The goal of soccer is straightforward: score the ball without using your hands. Due to its easy nature, young children tend to pick up the game of soccer. Additionally, when watching soccer, it is easy to follow what is happening, especially for people that do not regularly watch sports. In contrast to American football, where only a true fan will be able to turn on the game and be able to fully follow what is happening.
Despite all of this, soccer’s popularity in America is significantly lower than in the rest of the world. This is due to American culture. Americans enjoy being the best; it’s as simple as that. Football, baseball, and basketball are ranked as the most popular sports in the country. It is no coincidence that Americans are the best globally in these three sports. In men’s basketball, for example, the U.S. has won gold medals 15 times in the last 19 Olympics, and they won at least a bronze medal 18 times out of the last 19 competitions. In comparison, in the 2010 Olympics, the men’s soccer team played a total of 400 minutes, yet only held a lead for one out of those 400 minutes. Americans want to play what they are good at and so they do not place as much emphasis on soccer. Soccer also tends to be low scoring, and therefore less exciting. The average points scored in a soccer game is 2-2.7, whereas the average points scored by each team in the NBA per game is 97.
American culture places tremendous value on money and business opportunities and sports are no different. A major way that TV stations make money is through advertisements. Coincidentally, the three most popular sports in America: football, baseball, and basketball, are also the most advertisement friendly. Take baseball for instance: every break between half innings, pitcher substitution, a challenging play, injury delay, weather delay, is more time for advertisements. Soccer, on the other hand, has no timeouts. The only break in a soccer game is between the two 45 minute halves. Therefore soccer games bring in less money than popular American sports.
Across the world, sports play a major role in everyday life. Soccer has its obvious advantages, which have led it to become the most popular sport worldwide. Yet, American culture is much different than its worldwide counterparts, thus leading to a difference in sports popularity.
Sports are back at SKA
Atara Ginsburg | December 23, 2020
As an unusual school year began, Covid-19 caused many new challenges. Many students were concerned about sports teams that they were a part of or wanted to join. Sports are the highlight of many students’ four years at SKA and create so many new friendships. It would be devastating if sports would not be able to happen.
Good news! Sports are back! After many months sitting at home, students can now have a source of exercise. SKA has found a safe way to offer many different sports while abiding by the Covid-19 protocols. This means that athletic teams will look different . No games will be able to be played but instead, SKA will be offering different sports drills to all different level athletes. Now, students of all different types of abilities will be able to play the sport of their choice at the level that’s best for them.
While competing against different schools will not be able to happen, students will now have the chance to improve their sports skills. These drills can be a great opportunity to enhance SKA athletes’ games. Students can focus on their weaknesses and become stronger. Students can also use this time to create better connections with fellow teammates. Talia Goldstein, a sophomore on the volleyball team exclaims, “The best part of being on a sports team is the bonds made with different types of students.” When Covid-19 hit SKA, many students lost the ability to create this connection with their teammates. Now, students will once again have the chance to make new friendships of a lifetime.
Good news! Sports are back! After many months sitting at home, students can now have a source of exercise. SKA has found a safe way to offer many different sports while abiding by the Covid-19 protocols. This means that athletic teams will look different . No games will be able to be played but instead, SKA will be offering different sports drills to all different level athletes. Now, students of all different types of abilities will be able to play the sport of their choice at the level that’s best for them.
While competing against different schools will not be able to happen, students will now have the chance to improve their sports skills. These drills can be a great opportunity to enhance SKA athletes’ games. Students can focus on their weaknesses and become stronger. Students can also use this time to create better connections with fellow teammates. Talia Goldstein, a sophomore on the volleyball team exclaims, “The best part of being on a sports team is the bonds made with different types of students.” When Covid-19 hit SKA, many students lost the ability to create this connection with their teammates. Now, students will once again have the chance to make new friendships of a lifetime.
SKA Looking Glass 2021