WJBL Round 18 (Regular Season): Denso I. is a new leader

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Denso I. as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Denso I. smashed 11th ranked Aranmare in Kariya 79-54. Denso I. made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Denso I. outrebounded Aranmare 51-35 including 19 on the offensive glass. 27 personal fouls committed by Aranmare helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international Akaho Himawari (185-1998) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds. The former international center Maki Takada (185-1989) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Asuka Hiramatsu (162-1994) who recorded 10 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Denso I. (16-1) have an impressive eight-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Toyota A. Aranmare lost tenth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Himeji E.. Aranmare will play next round against Niigata R. trying to get back on the winning streak. Denso I. will try to continue on its current victory against ninth ranked Mitsubishi K. in Nagoya.
Undefeated Toyota A. (16-1) recorded its first loss in Nagoya. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Fujitsu RW (15-3) 75-57. It was a good game for the former international forward Yuki Miyazawa (183-1993, college: Queens, NY) who led her team to a victory with 23 points. Saki Hayashi contributed with 8 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Fujitsu RW's coach BT Toews allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The former international point guard Shiori Yasuma (161-1994) replied with 11 points and 6 rebounds for Toyota A.Fujitsu RW have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 15-3 record. Toyota A. at the other side still keeps top place with one game lost. They share the position with Denso I.. Fujitsu RW will play against Yamanashi QB (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Toyota A. will play against Toyota BSR (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Nagoya. Third ranked Toyota A. faced 4th ranked Fujitsu RW. Host Toyota A. (16-1) defeated guests from Kawasaki (15-3) 60-55. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Fujitsu RW. Shiori Yasuma scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners. Toyota A.'s coach Yuko Ogami used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Joshuana von Novon with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks. Toyota A. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Denso I. Loser Fujitsu RW keeps the fourth place with three games lost. Toyota A. will meet at home Toyota BSR (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Fujitsu RW will play against Yamanashi QB and hope to secure a win.

Rest of the games of round 18 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Himeji E. was crushed by Eneos S. in Kashiwa 97-58. Haneda V. was beaten by Hitachi Cougars at home 67-74. Aishin AW was destroyed by Toyota BSR on the opponent's court 80-50. Mitsubishi K. managed to outperform Yamanashi QB in a home game 68-63. Aranmare was rolled over Denso I. on the road 106-48. Mitsubishi K. crushed Yamanashi QB on its own court 67-44.

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Eneos S. - Himeji E. 97-58

There was no surprise in Kashiwa where 11th ranked Himeji E. (3-14) was crushed by second ranked Eneos S. (16-2) 97-58 on Wednesday. Eneos S. held Himeji E. to an opponent 24.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 59.1 percent accuracy of the winners. They outrebounded Himeji E. 49-38 including a 40-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Eneos S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The former international power forward Ramu Tokashiki (193-1991) scored 20 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international Saori Miyazaki (167-1995) chipped in 11 points, 9 assists and 5 steals during the contest. The best for the losing side was point guard Saori Yoshida (158-1984) with 13 points and guard Maho Endo (172-2000) scored 8 points and 5 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Eneos S. have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Despite that victory Eneos S. went down to third position due to points difference. Himeji E. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Aranmare. Eneos S. will meet Haneda V. (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Himeji E. will play against Aishin AW in Anjo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Eneos S.: R.Tokashiki 20+6reb+1ast, S.Takada 16+5reb+2ast, S.Miyazaki 11+3reb+9ast, S.Sayaka 10+3reb+1ast, A.Hoshi 9+6reb+3ast, T.Nakada 9+10reb
Himeji E.: S.Yoshida 13+4reb+3ast, E.Maho 8+5reb+2ast, N.Reina 8+2reb+1ast, K.Yume 7+6reb+1ast, N.Mirai 6+3reb, H.Shiori 6

Haneda V. - Hitachi Cougars 67-74

No shocking result in a game in Tokyo where seventh ranked Hitachi Cougars (8-9) defeated 11th ranked Haneda V. (3-15) 74-67 on Wednesday. Hitachi Cougars looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Honoka Morioka (172-2004) scored 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Ririka Okuyama (180-2000) chipped in 10 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Mirei Mori (179-2004) with 12 points and 6 rebounds and Haruki Takahara (175-1999) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hitachi Cougars maintains seventh position with 8-9 record. Haneda V. lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth place with 15 games lost. Hitachi Cougars will meet at home higher ranked Chanson V-M (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Haneda V. will play against Eneos S. (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hitachi Cougars: M.Honoka 13+6reb+6ast, R.Okuyama 10+11reb+3ast, A.Hoshi 10+3reb, S.Nanami 10+1ast, M.Daramee 9+1reb+1ast, M.Hayashi 8+2reb+3ast
Haneda V.: M.Mirei 12+6reb, H.Takahara 12+5reb, Y.Tsumura 12+1reb+2ast, M.Kuribayashi 9+4reb+1ast, J.Hikaru 9+2reb+1ast, A.Sae 3+1reb

Toyota BSR - Aishin AW 80-50

Rather expected game in Aichi where 8th ranked Aishin AW (6-11) was rolled over by sixth ranked Toyota BSR (12-6) 80-50 on Wednesday. Toyota BSR outrebounded Aishin AW 50-35 including 22 on the offensive glass. Center Jessica Wariebimo (188-2005) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and international Nanako Todo (175-2000) chipped in 12 points and 5 assists during the contest. Four Toyota BSR players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Sakura Noguchi (181-2001) with 22 points and 4 blocks and the former international point guard Asami Yoshida (166-1987) scored 5 points and 6 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toyota BSR have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain sixth position with 12-6 record. Aishin AW lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 11 games lost. Toyota BSR will meet league's second-placed Toyota A. in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Aishin AW will play against Himeji E. (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyota BSR: W.Jessica 14+13reb, T.Nanako 12+2reb+5ast, H.Asuka 12+1reb+3ast, Y.Kitamura 12+5reb, Y.Kato 6, M.Kawamura 4+11reb+2ast
Aishin AW: S.Noguchi 22+4reb+1ast, A.Yoshida 5+6reb+3ast, A.Sanbu 5+4reb, M.Akane 4, C.Sakai 4+3reb+1ast, Y.Yuma 3

Denso I. - Aranmare A. 79-54

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Denso I. as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Denso I. smashed 11th ranked Aranmare in Kariya 79-54. Denso I. made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Denso I. outrebounded Aranmare 51-35 including 19 on the offensive glass. 27 personal fouls committed by Aranmare helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international Akaho Himawari (185-1998) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds. The former international center Maki Takada (185-1989) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Asuka Hiramatsu (162-1994) who recorded 10 points and 6 rebounds and the former international center Mutya Mori (180-1988) added 6 points and 5 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Denso I. (16-1) have an impressive eight-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Toyota A. Aranmare lost tenth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Himeji E.. Aranmare will play next round against Niigata R. trying to get back on the winning streak. Denso I. will try to continue on its current victory against ninth ranked Mitsubishi K. in Nagoya.
Top scorers:
Denso I.: M.Takada 16+7reb+2ast, A.Himawari 13+13reb, Y.Minami 7+2reb, A.Kimura 7+3reb+6ast, S.Motokawa 7+2reb, E.Mawuli 6+2reb
Aranmare A.: A.Hiramatsu 10+6reb+1ast, K.Niang 9+2reb, S.Chihiro 8+4reb, M.Mori 6+5reb+1ast, A.Kitagawa 5+4reb+1ast, M.Matsunaga 4+2reb+3ast

Mitsubishi K. - Yamanashi QB 68-63

The game between closely ranked teams ended with ninth ranked Mitsubishi K.'s (6-12) home victory over 10th ranked Yamanashi QB (2-15) 68-63 on Thursday. Mitsubishi K. had a 31-18 advantage in offensive rebounds. The former international forward Nemoto Haruno (176-1995) scored 14 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international Yuka Kosuge (181-1991) chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Mitsubishi K. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Hinako Kawabata (175-1999) with 17 points and Senegalese point guard Niandi Kumbha (168-1999) scored 15 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Mitsubishi K. maintains ninth position with 6-12 record. Loser Yamanashi QB dropped to the thirteenth place with 15 games lost. Mitsubishi K. will meet league's leader Denso I. in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Yamanashi QB will play against Fujitsu RW (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Mitsubishi K.: N.Haruno 14+5reb+1ast, Y.Kosuge 12+6reb+1ast, A.Watanabe 12+2reb+5ast, H.Kasagi 11+2reb+2ast, R.Sanma 5+2reb, F.Nodoka 5+1reb+2ast
Yamanashi QB: K.Hinako 17+4reb, K.Niandi 15+2reb+2ast, A.Watanabe 7+1reb, M.Inoue 7+3reb+1ast, N.Izuhara 6+2reb, A.Miyoshi 3

Toyota A. - Fujitsu RW 57-75

Undefeated Toyota A. (16-1) recorded its first loss in Nagoya. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Fujitsu RW (15-3) 75-57. Fujitsu RW made 21-of-24 charity shots (87.5 percent) during the game. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Toyota A. was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for the former international forward Yuki Miyazawa (183-1993, college: Queens, NY) who led her team to a victory with 23 points. The former international guard Saki Hayashi (173-1995) contributed with 8 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Fujitsu RW's coach BT Toews allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The former international point guard Shiori Yasuma (161-1994) replied with 11 points and 6 rebounds and the former international point guard Mai Kawai (171-1996) added 5 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists in the effort for Toyota A.Fujitsu RW have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 15-3 record. Toyota A. at the other side still keeps top place with one game lost. They share the position with Denso I.. Fujitsu RW will play against Yamanashi QB (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Toyota A. will play against Toyota BSR (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Fujitsu RW: Y.Miyazawa 23+2reb+3ast, v.Novon Joshuana 12+7reb, R.Akagi 8+1reb+1ast, S.Hayashi 8+9reb+3ast, E.Moeka 8+3reb+9ast, I.Karin 6+1reb
Toyota A.: M.Yamamoto 12+3reb+2ast, S.Yasuma 11+6reb+2ast, K.Miyashita 6+4reb+2ast, K.Umezawa 6+2reb, S.Sylla 6+7reb, M.Kawai 5+5reb+8ast

Denso I. - Aranmare A. 106-48

Not a big story in a game in Kariya where 11th ranked Aranmare (3-14) was outplayed by second ranked Denso I. (16-1) 106-48 on Friday. Denso I. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Aranmare A.'s 20. They outrebounded Aranmare 43-23 including a 30-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Denso I. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Aranmare's players. The former international forward Minami Yabu (178-2004) scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and guard Maho Hiraga (172-2004) chipped in 13 points and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) during the contest. Four Denso I. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was swingman Kyoka Sato (174-1998) with 12 points and Chihiro Sato (168-1997) scored 10 points. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Denso I. have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Toyota A. Aranmare lost tenth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Himeji E.. Denso I. will meet at home Mitsubishi K. (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Aranmare will play against Niigata R. in Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Denso I.: H.Maho 13+4reb+4ast, Y.Minami 12+6reb+4ast, A.Himawari 12+2reb+2ast, S.Akaho 11+1reb+4ast, M.Takada 9+1reb+2ast, D.Bai 8+6reb
Aranmare A.: S.Kyoka 12+4reb+1ast, S.Chihiro 10+3reb+2ast, K.Niang 7+3reb, M.Mori 6+1reb, M.Matsunaga 4+1reb+1ast, K.Yui 3+1reb+1ast

Mitsubishi K. - Yamanashi QB 67-44

The game between closely ranked teams ended with ninth ranked Mitsubishi K.'s (6-12) home victory over 10th ranked Yamanashi QB (2-15) 67-44 on Friday. The former international Aya Watanabe (168-1992) scored 11 points and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and center Rui Sanma (185-1999) chipped in 8 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Indian center Anmolpreet Kaur (185-1999) with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Inoue Momoko (170-1997) scored 6 points and 7 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Mitsubishi K. maintains ninth position with 6-12 record. Loser Yamanashi QB dropped to the thirteenth place with 15 games lost. Mitsubishi K. will meet league's leader Denso I. in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Yamanashi QB will play against Fujitsu RW (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Mitsubishi K.: H.Kasagi 12+2ast, Y.Kosuge 11+3reb, A.Watanabe 11+2reb+7ast, R.Sanma 8+8reb+3ast, F.Nodoka 7+1reb, N.Haruno 7+7reb+3ast
Yamanashi QB: A.Kaur 11+11reb+2ast, M.Inoue 6+7reb+2ast, A.Watanabe 6+5reb, T.Honoka 6+3reb+3ast, K.Hinako 6+1reb, Y.Ishida 3

Toyota A. - Fujitsu RW 60-55

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Nagoya. Third ranked Toyota A. faced 4th ranked Fujitsu RW. Host Toyota A. (16-1) defeated guests from Kawasaki (15-3) 60-55. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Fujitsu RW. Toyota A. forced 20 Fujitsu RW turnovers. The former international point guard Shiori Yasuma (161-1994) scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international point guard Mai Yamamoto (163-1999) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Toyota A.'s coach Yuko Ogami used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Nigerian center Joshuana von Novon (190-1999) with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks and swingman Uchio Akina (177-1997) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Toyota A. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Denso I. Loser Fujitsu RW keeps the fourth place with three games lost. Toyota A. will meet at home Toyota BSR (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Fujitsu RW will play against Yamanashi QB and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyota A.: S.Yasuma 19+5reb+4ast, M.Yamamoto 13+5reb+2ast, K.Miyashita 9+5reb+2ast, M.Kawai 6+2reb+2ast, K.Umezawa 6+6reb+1ast, O.Miyu 3+1reb
Fujitsu RW: v.Novon Joshuana 17+10reb, U.Akina 11+10reb+4ast, S.Hayashi 9+4reb+1ast, E.Moeka 6+5reb+3ast, Y.Miyazawa 5+13reb+3ast, R.Akagi 3