Yorktown Student Wins Gold At International Maccabiah Games

YORKTOWN, NY — One of Yorktown High School's varsity basketball players will return to class in September with a gold medal.

Junior guard Justin Price was among the estimated 10,000 athletes from 80 countries who traveled to Israel in July to compete in the 21st edition of the Maccabiah Games. The multi-sport event, which was first held in 1932, is open to all Jewish athletes around the world.

The games were held July 12-26 in Jerusalem, Haifa, and Netanya. President Joe Biden attended the opening ceremonies to cheer on the nearly 1,400 athletes from the United States, which had the largest delegation.

Price was a member of the United States’ 16-and-under basketball team, which finished undefeated after beating Israel in the gold-medal game.

The United States went 5-0 in pool play against Australia, Israel, Chile, Panama, and Germany, defeating its opponents by an average of 70 points per game, with Price scoring a total of 20 points.

The junior guard impressed in the medal round.

In a 73-44 win over Argentina in the semifinals, Price scored 4 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and had 2 steals. In the gold-medal game against Israel, Price had 5 points and 5 rebounds, helping the United States to a 90-62 victory.

Price also plays on the Yorktown High School varsity football team as a wide receiver and defensive back. As a sophomore, he earned All-League honors in basketball.

“Justin is a great multi-sport student athlete at Yorktown,” said his Yorktown High School basketball coach, Mark Pavella. “It was great watching him compete and be a leader for team USA in the Maccabiah games. I’m sure it was an unforgettable experience for him.”