B2 League Round 5 (Regular Season): Shinshu lose to Blowinds

Round 5 means everything may happen in B2 League as the season just started. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in Fukui where host Blowinds (3-2) crushed league's leader Brave Warriors (4-1) 91-67 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Brave Warriors. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Fukui B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was who scored 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Perry Ellis (203-1993, college: Kansas) chipped in 21 points and 7 rebounds. American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) produced 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Blowinds have a solid series of three victories in a row. Fukui B. moved-up to second place, which they share with Ehime. Shinshu at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Fukushima who have the same record. Shinshu will play next round against strong Yokohama trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Fukui B. will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Aomori W. on the road.
Undefeated Storks (4-1) recorded its first loss in Renova. Visitors were defeated by fifth ranked Rebnise (2-2) 89-81. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Storks. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 4 assists. Yoshiki Ametani contributed with 15 points for the winners. American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) answered with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 21 rebounds for Kobe S.Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kagoshima moved-up to third place, which they share with Yokohama. Kobe S. at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Shinshu and Fukushima. Kagoshima will play against league's leader Fukushima on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kobe S. will play against Shizuoka and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game where Bambitious (#3) beat host Shizuoka (#7) 74-63 on Wednesday evening. Jaemyn Brakefield stepped up and scored 33 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds for the winners. Tim Schneider responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Despite that victory Bambitious went down to fourth position due to points difference, which they share with 4 other teams. Shizuoka lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with four games lost. They share the position with Kumamoto V.. Bambitious will meet at home Yamagata (#5) in the next round. Shizuoka will play against the league's leader Kobe S. and hope to win that game.

Other games of round 5 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Fukushima defeated Aomori W. in a road game 81-74. Fukuoka R. beat Ehime at home 87-73. Kumamoto V. lost to Yamagata on the opponent's court 93-99. Yokohama unfortunately lost to Iwate in a home game 64-71.
The best stats of 5th round was 30 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists by Clay Mounce of Iwate.



Aomori W. - Fukushima 74-81

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 4th placed Watts' (2-3) home loss to third ranked Firebonds (4-1) 74-81 on Wednesday. Fukushima made 23-of-25 free shots (92.0 percent) during the game. Fukushima outrebounded Aomori W. 39-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. Fukushima looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. stepped up and scored 29 points for the winners and American swingman Kenny Manigault (195-1991, college: Pikeville) chipped in 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. American center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) scored 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Firebonds have a solid series of three victories in a row. Fukushima keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Shinshu and Kobe S. Loser Watts keeps the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Fukushima will meet at home Kagoshima (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Aomori W. will play against Fukui B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: M.Hisatake 25+12reb+1ast, R.Kelly 14+9reb+4ast, O.Masahiro 12+1reb+2ast, W.Wang 7+2reb, T.Dalger 7+2reb, K.Taiga 4+2reb+1ast
Fukushima: N.Tsukasa 29+4reb+1ast, K.Manigault 18+8reb+6ast, P.Gardner 11+4reb+4ast, J.Nunge 8+7reb, S.Keita 5+3reb+2ast, D.Bamba 4+3reb

Fukui B. - Shinshu BW 91-67

The biggest surprise took place in Fukui where host Blowinds (3-2) crushed league's leader Brave Warriors (4-1) 91-67 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Brave Warriors. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Fukui B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was who scored 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Perry Ellis (203-1993, college: Kansas) chipped in 21 points and 7 rebounds. Four Blowinds players scored in double figures. American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) produced 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international guard Aki Chambers (191-1990, college: UC Merced) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Blowinds have a solid series of three victories in a row. Fukui B. moved-up to second place, which they share with Ehime. Shinshu at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Fukushima who have the same record. Shinshu will play next round against strong Yokohama trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Fukui B. will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Aomori W. on the road.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: M.Daum 20+5reb+5ast, T.Daiki 11+1reb+5ast, A.Chambers 10+5reb+2ast, T.Susumu 9+3reb, W.Marshall 8+8reb+1ast, H.Watanabe 6+5reb
Fukui B.: P.Ellis 21+7reb+1ast, N.You 18+9reb+4ast, R.Ivanauskas 16+8reb, K.Sena 10+2ast, H.Masashi 10+1reb+6ast, R.Kelly 8+7reb+1ast

Fukuoka R. - Ehime OV 87-73

There was a small surprise in Fukuoka where fourth ranked Rizing (2-3) defeated second-ranked Orange Vikings (3-2) 87-73 on Wednesday. Fukuoka R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds. Four Rizing players scored in double figures. American Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) responded with 22 points and 8 assists and the other American import center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fukuoka R. maintains fourth place with 2-3 record, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Orange Vikings keeps the second position with two games lost. They share it with Fukui B.. Fukuoka R. will meet Iwate (#6) on the road in the next round. Ehime will play against Kumamoto V. (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: S.Hines 22+4reb+8ast, M.Haarms 14+3reb+1ast, M.Watt 12+10reb+4ast, O.Yugo 6+1reb+1ast, R.Ito 5+1reb+3ast, M.Parker 4+6reb
Fukuoka R.: R.Aoki 19+2reb+1ast, P.Aguilar 14+10reb+2ast, J.Burrell 13+14reb+5ast, D.Reed 12+3reb+3ast, K.Toshikazu 10+1reb+2ast, Y.Karino 8+2ast

Kagoshima - Kobe S. 89-81

Undefeated Storks (4-1) recorded its first loss in Renova. Visitors were defeated by fifth ranked Rebnise (2-2) 89-81. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Storks. Strangely Kobe S. outrebounded Kagoshima 57-33 including a 30-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. Kobe S. was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 4 assists. Guard Yoshiki Ametani (190-1999) contributed with 15 points for the winners. American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) answered with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 21 rebounds and the other American import center Isaac Butts (208-1989, college: App State) added 11 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Kobe S.Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kagoshima moved-up to third place, which they share with Yokohama. Kobe S. at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Shinshu and Fukushima. Kagoshima will play against league's leader Fukushima on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kobe S. will play against Shizuoka and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: R.Alkins 15+5reb+3ast, Y.Childs 14+21reb+2ast, K.Keigo 14+3reb+1ast, I.Butts 11+13reb+1ast, T.Shuto 11+2reb+5ast, K.Ryuya 8+8reb+2ast
Kagoshima: A.Gaines Jr. 21+4reb+4ast, Y.Ametani 15+4reb+3ast, J.Sharma 11+8reb, P.Auda 11+4reb+1ast, T.Komamizu 11+6reb, T.Kodama 9+1reb+2ast

Shizuoka - Bambitious N. 63-74

An interesting game where Bambitious (#3) beat host Shizuoka (#7) 74-63 on Wednesday evening. American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss) stepped up and scored 33 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import center Nigel Spikes (208-1989, college: Marshall) chipped in 8 points and 13 rebounds. German Tim Schneider (208-1997) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) scored 19 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Despite that victory Bambitious went down to fourth position due to points difference, which they share with 4 other teams. Shizuoka lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with four games lost. They share the position with Kumamoto V.. Bambitious will meet at home Yamagata (#5) in the next round. Shizuoka will play against the league's leader Kobe S. and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: T.Schneider 19+14reb+1ast, A.Brandt 19+8reb+2ast, C.Ndow 10+6reb+4ast, S.Hayashi 8, S.Takumi 2+1reb+2ast, N.Ryusei 2+3ast
Bambitious N.: J.Brakefield 33+6reb, N.Spikes 8+13reb+1ast, J.Dallas 8+8reb+1ast, S.Ishii 6+3reb, K.Ryota 5+2reb+6ast, S.Tatsuya 4+1reb+1ast

Yamagata - Kumamoto V. 99-93

Everything could happen in Yamagata at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked Wyverns and 6th ranked Volters had identical 1-3 record. This time Wyverns used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Kumamoto 99-93 on Wednesday night. Yamagata shot 22 for 32 from the free-throw line, while Kumamoto V. only scored five points from the stripe. Yamagata forced 21 Kumamoto V. turnovers. Strangely Kumamoto V. outrebounded Yamagata 33-17 including 23 on the defensive glass. American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) stepped up and scored 30 points and 6 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners and point guard Ryusei Abe (181-1995) chipped in 23 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss) responded with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) scored 19 points and 7 rebounds. Four Kumamoto V. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Yamagata (2-3) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Kumamoto V. lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with four games lost. They share it with Shizuoka. Yamagata will meet Bambitious (#4) in the next round. Kumamoto V. will play against the league's second-placed Ehime and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: M.Lightfoot 19+7reb+2ast, Y.Shota 15+7reb+6ast, H.Isono 13+1reb, G.Echenique 12+6reb+1ast, K.Ishikawa 11+2reb+4ast, N.Djurisic 9+7reb+6ast
Yamagata: J.Bell 30+1reb+6ast, R.Abe 23+2reb+1ast, S.Doorson 14+6reb+5ast, M.Shinya 9+2reb+5ast, N.Waterman 8+4reb, S.Taisei 5+2ast

Yokohama EX - Iwate 64-71

There was a surprise result in Yokohama where sixth ranked Big Bulls (2-3) beat second-ranked Excellence (2-2) 71-64 on Wednesday. stepped up with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and chipped in 8 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. American forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists and British forward Benjamin Lawson (216-1995, college: WKU) scored 8 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Iwate moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Excellence dropped to the third position with two games lost. They share it with Kagoshima. Iwate will meet at home Fukuoka R. (#5) in the next round. Yokohama will play against the league's second-placed Shinshu in Nagano and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: E.Williams 15+11reb+6ast, T.Boyd III 13+2reb+1ast, J.Uera 10+7reb+3ast, B.Lawson 8+11reb+1ast, N.Io 8+2reb, N.Tatsuya 3
Iwate: M.Clay 30+11reb+4ast, S.Kokoro 13+5reb, Y.Sogo 8+5reb+8ast, U.Hiroki 5+1ast, M.Keijiro 5+4reb, N.Gurley 4+8reb+4ast