Rye Country Day’s Tara Berger is the youngest of the ten girls chosen nationwide for the Maccabi USA Junior Girls National Basketball Team. 

 

By Melanie Cane

 

Rye Country Day’s Tara Berger is the youngest of the ten girls chosen nationwide for the Maccabi USA Junior Girls National Basketball Team.

 

The sophomore from Purchase was selected from thousands of teenagers after a two-day tryout. The 19^th World Maccabiah Games, set for July 17-30 in Israel, are held every four years, with 8,800 athletes from more than 60 countries competing.

 

“I am so excited to play on a team with other girls from across the country against other Jewish girls from all over the world,’’ Berger said. “I have also never been to Israel, so getting to play basketball there and travel throughout the country is going to be really fun.”

 

Berger has played as a starting center or power guard on Rye Country Day’s team since she was in eighth grade and is a key player in the Wildcats’ 10-1 record so far this season. She is the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 12 per game, as well as the top shot blocker, averaging five per game. Berger also is the team’s second highest scorer, behind Captain Carolyn Binder, averaging 11 points per game. (Binder, a senior, broke Rye Country Day’s career scoring record last month.)

 

“We are off to a great start,’’ Berger said. “I believe that if we play up to our potential, we can win our League and even States.”

 

Berger credited her experience playing AAU basketball with The Lady Knicks in the spring and summer with helping make her a top-flight player.

 

Coach Margaret Scarcella said Berger has worked hard at expanding her game. She has developed a 10- to 12-foot jump shot as well as improving her post moves. “She is stronger thanks to her off-season and current conditioning programs,” Scarcella said. “Her ball handling skills continue to improve as well.”

 

In addition to basketball, Berger competes as a high jumper on the Wildcats’ track and field team. She’s already received letters of interest and inquiries to compete from more than 25 colleges.