B2 League Round 16 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Round 16 most important game was a victory of Yokohama over their close opponent Kagoshima 102-89 on Saturday night. Excellence looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who helped to win the game recording 44 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Zack Moore (196-1997, college: UCSB) contributed with 22 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American-British center Josh Sharma (213-1995, college: Stanford) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists for Rebnise. Rebnise's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Yokohama have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 8-7 record which they share with defeated Kagoshima. Kagoshima at the other side keeps the fourth place with eight games lost. Yokohama will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kagoshima will play at home against Yokohama (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Matsuyama. First ranked Storks (16-1) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging their biggest opponent Orange Vikings (13-4) 69-66 in the fight for the first place. Worth to mention a great performance of American Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists and Shuto Terazono who added 17 points and 7 assists during the contest. At the losing side American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Orange Vikings' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Storks have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 16-1 record. Ehime at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
A very close game took place in Fukui between Rizing and Blowinds. Third ranked Rizing (9-7) got a very close victory on the road over their biggest opponent Blowinds (9-7). Rizing managed to escape with a 1-point win 79-78 in the fight for the second place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Blowinds. The winners were led by Pablo Aguilar who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) by Rapolas Ivanauskas did not help to save the game for Fukui B.. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Fukuoka R. moved-up to second place, which they share with Shinshu and Fukui B. Fukuoka R. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fukui B. will play against Fukuoka R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 16 were not that significant. Kobe S. smashed Ehime on the road 84-65. Aomori W. won against Shinshu on its own court 68-53. Shizuoka was outscored by Fukushima in a road game 101-63. Iwate managed to beat Yamagata at home 76-67. Bambitious were defeated by Kumamoto V. on the opponent's court 87-75.
The most impressive performance of 16th round was 22 points and 14 rebounds by Mitch Lightfoot of Kumamoto V..



Ehime OV - Kobe S. 65-84

The game between closely ranked teams ended with first ranked Storks' (16-1) road victory over their biggest opponent Orange Vikings (13-4) in Matsuyama 84-65 on Friday. Kobe S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds and Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) supported him with 14 points and 8 assists. Even 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) did not help to save the game for Ehime. Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) added 10 points for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Storks have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 16-1 record. Loser Orange Vikings keeps the second place with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: C.Yoeli 23+10reb+2ast, S.Terazono 14+5ast, A.Rawle 14+3reb+8ast, N.Dohara 9+1ast, K.Kimura 8, R.Sasakura 8+1reb+2ast
Ehime OV: M.Watt 17+7reb+4ast, M.Haarms 14, S.Hines 10+2reb+3ast, T.Ryu 6+1reb+1ast, Y.Toshino 5+1reb, T.Furuno 5+2reb+1ast

Aomori W. - Shinshu BW 68-53

There was an upset when higher ranked Brave Warriors (9-7) lost to seventh ranked Watts (3-13) in Aomori 53-68 on Saturday. Aomori W. outrebounded Shinshu 38-27 including 29 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and the other American import Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) supported him with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Watts players scored in double figures. Watts' coach Yosuke Oshima used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 22 points and 6 assists by Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) did not help to save the game for Shinshu. South Sudanese-American center Angelo Chol (206-1993, college: SDSU) added 12 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Aomori W. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Yamagata and Shizuoka. Shinshu lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the second position with seven games lost. They share it with Fukuoka R. and Fukui B.. Aomori W. will meet at home higher ranked Shinshu (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shinshu will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: H.Max 18+10reb+4ast, K.Rashard 15+7reb+4ast, M.Okabe 11+1reb+4ast, D.Tim 10+4reb+3ast, K.Terashima 6+2reb+1ast, T.Kagitomi 5+2reb
Shinshu BW: T.Daiki 22+2reb+6ast, A.Chol 12+5reb, Y.Haruto 8+3reb+1ast, K.Taichi 6+6reb, A.Chambers 3+3reb, T.Susumu 2+2reb+3ast

Ehime OV - Kobe S. 66-69

Important game to mention about took place in Matsuyama. First ranked Storks (16-1) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging their biggest opponent Orange Vikings (13-4) 69-66 in the fight for the first place. Kobe S. outrebounded Ehime 45-30 including 17 on the offensive glass. Kobe S. players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists and Shuto Terazono who added 17 points and 7 assists during the contest. At the losing side American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists and his fellow American import Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) scored 21 points and 6 assists. Orange Vikings' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Storks have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 16-1 record. Ehime at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: S.Terazono 17+1reb+7ast, A.Rawle 12+13reb+7ast, C.Yoeli 9+14reb+2ast, A.Hachimura 9+3reb+2ast, R.Sasakura 6+3reb, B.Isaac 6+6reb
Ehime OV: M.Watt 21+6reb+9ast, S.Hines 21+4reb+6ast, M.Parker 10+8reb, T.Riki 5+1reb+1ast, E.Hayashi 4+2reb+1ast, O.Yugo 3+2reb+2ast

Fukui B. - Fukuoka R. 78-79

A very close game took place in Fukui between Rizing and Blowinds. Third ranked Rizing (9-7) got a very close victory on the road over their biggest opponent Blowinds (9-7). Rizing managed to escape with a 1-point win 79-78 in the fight for the second place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Blowinds. Fukuoka R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The winners were led by Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) supported him with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) by Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) did not help to save the game for Fukui B.. American forward Perry Ellis (203-1993, college: Kansas) added 19 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Fukuoka R. moved-up to second place, which they share with Shinshu and Fukui B. Fukuoka R. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fukui B. will play against Fukuoka R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: A.Pablo 20+11reb+5ast, B.Justin 15+11reb+5ast, K.Yusuke 10+3reb+1ast, T.Nishikawa 9+1ast, R.Davon 8+1reb+4ast, S.Murakami 7+2reb+5ast
Fukui B.: R.Ivanauskas 25+7reb+5ast, P.Ellis 19+10reb, H.Masashi 17+1reb+6ast, M.Damilola 7+4ast, N.You 5+6reb+1ast, K.Min-Wook 3+1ast

Fukushima - Shizuoka 101-63

Very predictable result when first ranked Firebonds (15-1) rolled over 7th ranked Veltex (3-13) in Fukushima 101-63 on Saturday. Fukushima made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The winners were led by American power forward Jack Nunge (213-1999, college: Xavier) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import swingman Kenny Manigault (195-1991, college: Pikeville) supported him with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 7 steals. Five Firebonds players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds by German Tim Schneider (208-1997) did not help to save the game for Shizuoka. Swingman Keisuke Masuda (194-1998) added 8 points and 6 assists for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Firebonds have an impressive 14-game winning streak. Fukushima maintains first position with 15-1 record. Shizuoka lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with Aomori W. and Yamagata. Fukushima will meet at home Shizuoka (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Shizuoka will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: N.Jack 17+12reb+4ast, M.Kenny 14+5reb+5ast, B.Diouf 13+4reb, T.Masuko 12+1reb+1ast, K.Shinkawa 11+1reb+1ast, G.Patrick 10+4reb+2ast
Shizuoka: T.Schneider 17+10reb, A.Brandt 10+5reb+1ast, S.Takumi 9+2reb+2ast, K.Masuda 8+3reb+6ast, J.Dallas 6+6reb, T.Martel 4+3reb

Iwate - Yamagata 76-67

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Wyverns' (3-13) road loss to fifth ranked Big Bulls (6-10) in Iwate 67-76 on Saturday. Iwate dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Wyverns's 28. The winners were led by Clay Mounce who scored that evening 30 points and 9 rebounds and Kokoro Sekiya supported him with 15 points. Even a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds by American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Yamagata. point guard Ryusei Abe (181-1995) added 18 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Iwate maintains fifth position with 6-10 record, which they share with Bambitious. Yamagata lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with Aomori W. and Shizuoka. Iwate will meet at home Yamagata (#6) in the next round. Yamagata will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Iwate: C.Mounce 30+9reb+2ast, K.Sekiya 15+3reb+3ast, H.Jaycee 14+6reb+1ast, S.Yamagiwa 6+3reb+4ast, H.Usui 5, S.Goto 2+1ast
Yamagata: J.Bell 22+12reb+3ast, R.Abe 18+5reb+2ast, N.Shuki 10, L.Jonghyun 7+4reb+1ast, S.Doorson 4+11reb+1ast, S.Taisei 3+1reb+1ast

Kagoshima - Yokohama EX 89-102

Round 16 most important game was a victory of Yokohama over their close opponent Kagoshima 102-89 on Saturday night. Excellence looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who helped to win the game recording 44 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Zack Moore (196-1997, college: UCSB) contributed with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American-British center Josh Sharma (213-1995, college: Stanford) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists and American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) added 27 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Rebnise. Rebnise's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Yokohama have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 8-7 record which they share with defeated Kagoshima. Kagoshima at the other side keeps the fourth place with eight games lost. Yokohama will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kagoshima will play at home against Yokohama (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: B.Tray 44+8reb+4ast, M.Zack 22+10reb+2ast, U.Junki 11+4reb+3ast, S.Coulibaly 7+4reb+3ast, H.Ohashi 7+3reb+8ast, Y.Sugiyama 4+3reb+2ast
Kagoshima: A.Gaines Jr. 27+12reb+2ast, J.Sharma 24+17reb+4ast, T.Komamizu 14+2reb+1ast, T.Kodama 9+2reb+8ast, P.Auda 7+7reb+1ast, S.Sato 5+1reb+3ast

Kumamoto V. - Bambitious N. 87-75

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when sixth ranked Volters (5-11) defeated 5th ranked Nara (6-10) in Kumamoto 87-75 on Saturday. Kumamoto V. outrebounded Bambitious 39-26 including 29 on the defensive glass. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds and guard Kaito Ishikawa (170-1990) supported him with 16 points and 5 assists. Four Volters players scored in double figures. Even 28 points and 7 rebounds by American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss) did not help to save the game for Bambitious. Swingman Takuya Soma (182-1991) added 18 points for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kumamoto V. maintains sixth position with 5-11 record. Loser Nara keep the fifth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Iwate. Kumamoto V. will meet at home higher ranked Bambitious (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Bambitious will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: L.Mitch 22+14reb, I.Kaito 16+3reb+5ast, I.Hiroaki 14+2reb+1ast, E.Gregory 11+5reb+1ast, M.Lamine 7+4reb+2ast, S.Yamamoto 7+1reb+6ast
Bambitious N.: J.Brakefield 28+7reb+3ast, T.Soma 18+1reb+1ast, V.Petrov 10+5reb+2ast, N.Spikes 9+9reb+1ast, S.Ishii 3+1reb+1ast, H.Jumpei 3+2reb