JIQ Boys’ Journal #21
The past few weeks at JIQ Boys’ Middle and High School have been filled with concentration, competition, and commitment—both on the chessboard and on the court. Whether it was through carefully calculated moves in a tense tournament or through sweat and strategy during basketball scrimmages, our boys showed what it means to lead with focus, strength, and school spirit.
Chess Tournament: Strategy, Patience, Victory
The annual quarterly Middle and High School Chess Tournaments took center stage in the academic halls of JIQ, and the battles were nothing short of riveting.
Middle School finals came down to a gripping match between Aharon Domatov (8th grade) and Yosef Aminov (7th grade). Each student showcased exceptional thinking and patience, but in the end, it was Yosef Aminov who earned the title of Middle School Chess Champion after a smart, steady win.
High School final four players—Maor Bensimon (9th), Yonatan Aronbayev (10th), Adam Nektalov (11th), and Joshua Niktalov (12th)—all proved their mastery of the game with skillful plays and sharp tactics. The last match saw Adam Nektalov face off against the younger but formidable Maor Bensimon. After a hard-fought game, Adam Nektalov emerged victorious, securing his spot as the High School Chess Champion.
Kol Hakavod to all the players who participated with sportsmanship, confidence, and determination. Chess is more than a game—it’s a reflection of thought, discipline, and foresight. These tournaments continue to showcase the best of JIQ’s academic culture.
The JIQ Lions: Gearing Up for a Season of Kiddush Hashem
As the winter chill sets in, the gym at JIQ is heating up. The JIQ Lions basketball team is back and hungrier than ever. With the league kicking off in late January, the boys are giving it everything they’ve got—running high-intensity drills, polishing fundamentals, building chemistry, and scrimmaging with fire and focus.
Led by Coach Chris, with Mr. A as team manager, the Lions are not just training to win—they’re preparing to represent Torah values through action, bringing a spirit of Kiddush Hashem onto every court they step onto.
Meet the 2025 JIQ Lions Roster:
• Zevulun Abramov (12th)
• Idan Akbashev (12th)
• Eitan Yagudaiv (12th)
• Adam Domatov (11th)
• Adam Nektalov (11th)
• Noah Niktalov (11th)
• Yonatan Abramov (10th)
• Lior Badalov (10th)
• Yonatan Aronbayev (10th)
• Yaakov Yadgarov (9th)
This year’s squad is a unique blend of leadership, talent, and tenacity. With seniors anchoring the team and younger players stepping up, the Lions are poised to compete with passion and pride.
A special thanks goes out to Mrs. Sassoon, Rabbi Niyazov, and the JIQ directors for their continued support of the basketball program. Their encouragement makes it possible for the boys to grow both on and off the court.
With every move on the board and every pass on the court, the boys at JIQ are proving that success comes not just from talent, but from dedication, discipline, and heart. Whether it’s chess or basketball, they’re learning what it means to think ahead, work together, and rise to every challenge with confidence.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, and Maaser money can be used.
Please call 718-480-0900 or email office@jiqboys.org for more information.