On Saturday, February 17, the NYHS boys varsity team lost to the Providence Classical Christian Highlanders 59-50 in a tri-district, loser-out matchup at the Shoreline Christian School gym. 

With this result, the 2024-2025 NYHS basketball season comes to an end. The team ended 5th in the SeaTac League with a 14-7 record.

The stands were packed with students, parents and community members all cheering on the Lions. “It was great to see so many people from the community turn out to support us,” said co-captain Evan Kaufthal. 

The game began with Sam Weichbrodt tipping for the Lions, and Judah MacGillivray tipping for the Highlanders. NYHS won the tipoff and continued strong, but toward the end they began to relent, allowing the Highlanders to catch up. The quarter ended with 20-13 Highlanders. 

NYHS caught back up to Providence and ended at halftime 27-24 Lions. “The second quarter was really fun,” said spectator and NYHS teacher Andrew Kaplan. “The dramatic three-pointers by Leon Varon were really exciting.” Varon was the top scorer of the game, scoring 23 points in total.

The Lions and Highlanders continued to fight for dominance, but the third quarter went to the Highlanders at 44-40. NYHS was climbing slowly back up throughout the fourth quarter but lost ground toward the end which ultimately led to their downfall. The score ended at 59-50 Highlanders. 

“I’m extremely disappointed that we lost,” said Lions basketball coach Steve Bunin. 

 “But our effort made me extremely proud.” 

Kaufthal feels similar. “I’m confident you’ll see our team at the state championship next year,” he said.