Frankel Jewish Academy Team Preview
On the corner of Maple and Drake in West Bloomfield inside the Jewish Community Center, there is the Frankel Jewish Academy also known as FJA. Ironically, FJA competes in the Catholic League. This past high school season, the FJA Jaguars had a crazy turn around. After going 4-16 in the ’16-’17 season and graduating three seniors (one starter), the Jaguars hired former Plymouth assistant coach, Michael Marek. After hiring Marek, FJA had one of their best seasons in recent history. They not only beat reigning division champions, Riverview Gabriel Richard on the road, but also won their first district game in school history. Their other impressive performances include single digit loss against division champion, Marine City Cardinal Mooney as well as single digit losses (one in 3OT) against division runner up, Detroit Cristo Rey. Marek’s squad also swept Allen Park Cabrini and Austin Catholic in Catholic League play and swept Westland Huron Valley Lutheran in non conference play.Marek doubled the teams wins with two less games as the Jags finished with a regular season record of 9-9 and a record of 10-10 counting districts. With Sam Stewart graduating from Detroit Cristo Rey, Daniel Everhart and Jack Galazka graduating from Marine City Cardinal Mooney, and Eric Wiggington graduating from Riverview Gabriel Richard that division is wide open for the taking. FJA has also had some close games against Class A competition in summer league play beating Royal Oak by 8 and losing to Berkley by 1. Below are some of the big impact players for FJA:
Ryan Otis 6’3 ’19- Otis is an elite scorer. He is very versatile and score from anywhere inside the volleyball line. He possesses a deadly perimeter game but he is most dangerous when he attacks from the left wing and gets inside. Otis does a great job at getting to the free throw line and converting from their. He will continue to make a name for himself as he competes with Michigan Playmakers-Avengers. Otis averaged 22PPG last season for FJA.
Noah Schlussel 5’9 ’19- Schlussel is the poised floor general for the Jaguars. He uses his speed to get by defenders and create shots for his teammates. He does a good job against pressure and he is a very unselfish player. He rarely gets rattled by opponents.
Ethan Mostyn 6’0 ’20- Mostyn was FJA’s young scorer last year who averaged 12PPG last season. He is a great shot blocker and a versatile scorer. He has a solid jumper but does a great job at getting past his defenders and to the basket.
Jacob Kelin 6’1 ’19- Klein played a big roll down low for FJA last season. He runs the floor very well and he is a strong rebounder. Klein often positions himself well to rebound and put the ball back up.
Zack Seiferheld 5’7 ’19- Seiferheld is a solid defender. He does a great job at reading the passing lanes. He is very quick and he is a strong finisher.