OGDEN, Iowa — Fifteen alephs from Greater Kansas City AZA #2, known as Two’s AZA, traveled to Ogden, Iowa, from May 1–3 for BBYO Mid-America Region’s Spring Regional Convention (SRC), delivering a standout weekend marked by athletic success, chapter pride, and meaningful participation across the convention.

The highlight of SRC came on the basketball court, where Two’s captured the AZAA Regional Basketball Championship. In the opening round, Two’s edged the Mother Chapter AZA #1 with a narrow 17–16 victory after a late deep 3-pointer by Naftali Tilove.

The championship game brought another intense matchup, as Two’s faced Zel Shrell AZA #8 (“Ochos”) and emerged victorious, 18–15. Two’s appeared in control for much of the final, building an 18–7 lead in the second half. However, Ochos mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to just three points in the final minute. A last-second three-point attempt by Ochos fell short, sealing the championship for Two’s. It was Two’s first regional AZAA championship in over 10 years.

The starting lineup for Two’s featured Judah Bassin, Jason Persky, Michael Furey, Will Widman and Naftali Tilove (of Nordaunian). Key contributions also came from freshmen Danny Hertzfield and Malachi Sosnoff, who made big contributions off the bench and played tenacious defense throughout the tournament. Hertzfield delivered a clutch three-pointer late in the opening-round win.

Tilove led the team in scoring and earned his second consecutive tournament MVP award, continuing to demonstrate his leadership on the court. Tilove led Nordaunian to the AZAA Championship at FRC 2025.

Junior center Jason Persky served as the emotional backbone of the team, highlighted by a stretch in which he scored six consecutive points in the championship game. Persky later exited with a sprained ankle after rolling his left ankle.

The All-Tournament Team included Tilove and Persky from Two’s, Marty Gelfman of Zel Shrell AZA #8, Cory Nogg of Mother Chapter AZA #1, and Chase Pines of John F. Kennedy AZA.

Two’s was coached by Rhys Pabst alongside chapter advisor David Wexler. Pabst praised his team’s effort and resilience following the championship win.

“Two’s went out there and proved to the rest of the region what we can do,” said Pabst. “I want to give a big shoutout to Malachi Sosnoff. He didn’t have high expectations, but he played his heart out. And Naftali Tilove led us in scoring and secured the win in a very tight game against Mama’s.”

Beyond basketball, the weekend marked another major milestone for the chapter: the return of its iconic mascot, Marty Ball. The 70-pound ball of masking tape, a longtime symbol of Two’s tradition, was finally brought home after spending the past year and a half in the possession of Esperanto AZA.

Marty Ball was originally taken by Esperanto during Fall Regional Convention 2024, part of a long-running “Mascot War” between the two chapters. On Saturday, Two’s Godol Will Widman and Esperanto Godol Jacob Shifrin met one-on-one to negotiate a resolution. The two leaders reached an agreement establishing clear guidelines: mascots may be “stolen” during conventions but must be returned to their rightful chapters by the end of the weekend. As part of the agreement, Esperanto was granted the opportunity to decorate Marty Ball and add their signatures, which will be showcased at the Fourth Annual Marty Awards on May 9 at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, KS.

Widman and Shifrin drafted formal legislation outlining these rules; however, the proposal was ultimately tabled during Sunday morning’s BBYO business meeting.

Other highlights of SRC:

  • Senior Michael Furey delivered his “Senior Life” speech, reflecting on his experiences and contributions during his time in BBYO.
  • Two’s distributed the newest edition of its chapter newspaper, The Rolling Paper, under the guidance of Aleph Sophere Micah Kramer.
  • Two’s raised $60 during Two’s Tuck-Ins

Three Two’s alephs were part of SRC’s Steering Committee. Rhys Pabst and Garrett Van Buskirk served on the Programming Committee, while Daniel Nevat contributed to the Jewish Moments Committee.