B2 League Round 22 (Regular Season): Kobe S. defeats Kagoshima in the game between Top 4 teams

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

An interesting game for Storks (20-2) which hosted in Hyogo 3rd ranked Rebnise (11-12). First ranked Storks managed to get a 7-point victory 92-85. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Isaac Butts (208-1989, college: App State) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 11 points and 20 rebounds. The other American import Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) contributed with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) replied with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for Kagoshima. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Storks have a solid three-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 20-2 record. Kagoshima at the other side keeps the third place with 12 games lost. Kobe S. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kagoshima will play on the road against Fukuoka R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Brave Warriors (16-7) which hosted in Nagano 4th ranked Blowinds (14-9). Second ranked Brave Warriors had an easy win 96-75. American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Wayne Marshall chipped in 25 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Brave Warriors have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Shinshu maintains second position with 16-7 record having three points less than leader Fukushima. Fukui B. at the other side keeps the fourth place with nine games lost. Shinshu will play against Yamagata (#6) on the road in the next round. Fukui B. will play against Aomori W. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
B2 League top team - Firebonds (21-2) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they beat seventh ranked Watts (3-20) in Fukushima 98-81. Jack Nunge notched a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the effort. Even a double-double of 23 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by Max Hisatake did not help to save the game for Aomori W.. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fukushima maintains first position with 21-2 record. Aomori W. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 20 games lost. Fukushima will meet at home Kumamoto V. (#4) in the next round. Aomori W. will play against Fukui B. and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 22 were not that significant. Shizuoka was beaten by Bambitious on the road 81-70. Ehime won against Fukuoka R. on its own court 82-71. Yokohama outscored Iwate in a road game 85-66. Kumamoto V. managed to beat Yamagata at home 82-70.



Bambitious N. - Shizuoka 81-70

The game between closely ranked teams ended with sixth ranked Nara's (9-15) home victory over 7th ranked Veltex (3-19) 81-70 on Wednesday. American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss, agency: Slash Sports) notched 31 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and Ukrainian center Viacheslav Petrov (204-1994, agency: BIG) supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds by Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) did not help to save the game for Shizuoka. German Tim Schneider (208-1997) added 9 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Bambitious maintains sixth position with 9-15 record. Shizuoka lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 19 games lost. Bambitious will meet higher ranked Yokohama (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shizuoka will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: B.Jaemyn 31+6reb+3ast, P.Viacheslav 14+6reb+1ast, S.Takuya 8+6reb+2ast, R.Kobayashi 6+2reb+7ast, M.Komaki 6+2reb+3ast, J.Honda 5+2reb
Shizuoka: A.Brandt 14+10reb+3ast, N.Ryusei 14+2reb+2ast, S.Hayashi 12+3reb+1ast, T.Schneider 9+7reb+2ast, S.Takumi 5+2reb+2ast, K.Masuda 4+3ast

Ehime OV - Fukuoka R. 82-71

Rather expected game when 5th ranked Rizing (10-14) lost to second ranked Orange Vikings (15-8) in Matsuyama 71-82 on Wednesday. Ehime dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Rizing's 24. Ehime looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Dutch center Matt Haarms (221-1997, college: BYU) supported him with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Even a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds by Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) did not help to save the game for Fukuoka R.. Puerto Rican-American swingman Davon Reed (198-1995, college: Miami, FL) added 23 points and 4 assists for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Ehime maintains second position with 15-8 record having four points less than leader Fukushima, which they share with Yokohama. Loser Rizing keeps the fifth place with 14 games lost. Ehime will meet Iwate (#5) on the road in the next round. Fukuoka R. will play against Kagoshima and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: H.Matt 23+8reb+1ast, W.Mitchell 16+15reb+4ast, H.Shaquille 10+2reb+3ast, H.Eiji 9+3reb+1ast, P.Michael 9+4reb+1ast, F.Takumi 5+1reb+5ast
Fukuoka R.: D.Reed 23+2reb+4ast, N.Takanobu 15+3reb+2ast, P.Aguilar 14+13reb+3ast, R.Aoki 7+5reb+1ast, Y.Karino 3+2ast, S.Sun 3

Fukushima - Aomori W. 98-81

B2 League top team - Firebonds (21-2) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they beat seventh ranked Watts (3-20) in Fukushima 98-81. Fukushima forced 24 Aomori W. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American power forward Jack Nunge (213-1999, college: Xavier) notched a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the effort and the other American import swingman Kenny Manigault (195-1991, college: Pikeville) supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 23 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by American center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Aomori W.. Dutch center Matt Haarms (221-1997, college: BYU) added 14 points and 5 assists for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fukushima maintains first position with 21-2 record. Aomori W. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 20 games lost. Fukushima will meet at home Kumamoto V. (#4) in the next round. Aomori W. will play against Fukui B. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: N.Jack 22+12reb+7ast, M.Kenny 14+6reb+3ast, G.Patrick 14+8reb, W.Koki 10, K.Kasai 10+2reb+7ast, S.Watanabe 6
Aomori W.: M.Hisatake 23+13reb+4ast, O.Masahiro 14+3reb+5ast, W.Wang 12+5reb, T.Dalger 11+5reb, T.Kyonosuke 8+3reb+4ast, R.Kelly 7+2reb+5ast

Iwate - Yokohama EX 66-85

Rather predictable result when third ranked Excellence (15-8) rolled over 5th ranked Big Bulls (8-15) in Iwate 85-66 on Wednesday. Yokohama forced 25 Iwate turnovers. American players dominated the game. Guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) notched 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) supported him with 8 points and 5 rebounds. Even 24 points and 9 rebounds by power forward Jack Nunge (213-1999, college: Xavier) did not help to save the game for Iwate. Forward Noah Gurley (203-1999, college: Alabama) added 9 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Excellence have an impressive six-game winning streak. Yokohama moved-up to second place, which they share with Ehime. Iwate lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with 15 games lost. Yokohama will meet at home Bambitious (#6) in the next round. Iwate will play against the league's second-placed Ehime and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: B.Tray 28+6reb+5ast, H.Ohashi 10+1ast, W.Elyjah 8+5reb+2ast, Y.Sugiyama 7+4reb+3ast, H.Kinoshita 6, M.Zack 5+4reb+2ast
Iwate: M.Clay 24+9reb+3ast, U.Hiroki 9+2reb+1ast, Y.Sogo 9+4reb+5ast, N.Gurley 9+9reb+2ast, M.Keijiro 8+2reb, S.Kokoro 3+1ast

Kobe S. - Kagoshima 92-85

An interesting game for Storks (20-2) which hosted in Hyogo 3rd ranked Rebnise (11-12). First ranked Storks managed to get a 7-point victory 92-85. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Isaac Butts (208-1989, college: App State) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 11 points and 20 rebounds. The other American import Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) contributed with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) replied with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Takayuki Kodama (166-1992) added 14 points and 7 assists in the effort for Kagoshima. 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. Storks have a solid three-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 20-2 record. Kagoshima at the other side keeps the third place with 12 games lost. Kobe S. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kagoshima will play on the road against Fukuoka R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: K.Kimura 24+1ast, C.Yoeli 19+4reb+2ast, A.Rawle 13+8reb+5ast, B.Isaac 11+20reb+2ast, S.Terazono 11+1reb+4ast, R.Sasakura 6+2reb+1ast
Kagoshima: A.Gaines Jr. 17+8reb+4ast, F.Kota 16+1reb+1ast, T.Kodama 14+2reb+7ast, Z.Endo 14+1reb, J.Sharma 10+11reb+2ast, F.Hiroshi 4+4reb+2ast

Kumamoto V. - Yamagata 82-70

Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked Wyverns (6-17) lost to fourth ranked Volters (10-13) in Kumamoto 70-82 on Wednesday. Shota Yamamoto notched 23 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) supported him with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Even a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds by American center Noah Waterman (211-2000, college: Louisville) did not help to save the game for Yamagata. His fellow American import James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) added 14 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Four Yamagata players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Volters have an impressive five-game winning streak. Kumamoto V. maintains fourth position with 10-13 record. Loser Wyverns keeps the sixth place with 17 games lost. Kumamoto V. will meet league's leader Fukushima on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Yamagata will play against the league's second-placed Shinshu (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: S.Yamamoto 23+3reb+4ast, I.Kaito 17+1reb+6ast, L.Mitch 16+11reb, E.Gregory 6+5reb+1ast, I.Hiroaki 6+7reb+2ast, A.Yamada 6+1reb+1ast
Yamagata: N.Waterman 20+11reb+2ast, J.Bell 14+7reb+2ast, R.Abe 11+1ast, S.Doorson 10+9reb+1ast, M.Shinya 7+2reb+4ast, Y.Kentaro 5+3reb

Shinshu BW - Fukui B. 96-75

An interesting game for Brave Warriors (16-7) which hosted in Nagano 4th ranked Blowinds (14-9). Second ranked Brave Warriors had an easy win 96-75. Shinshu players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) chipped in 25 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Five Brave Warriors players scored in double figures. At the losing side American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) scored 16 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. Brave Warriors have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Shinshu maintains second position with 16-7 record having three points less than leader Fukushima. Fukui B. at the other side keeps the fourth place with nine games lost. Shinshu will play against Yamagata (#6) on the road in the next round. Fukui B. will play against Aomori W. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: M.Wayne 25+6reb+2ast, D.Mike 20+10reb+3ast, C.Aki 13+6reb+2ast, D.Tsuchiya 11+1reb+9ast, K.Eliet 10+4reb+3ast, S.Tokairin 7+3reb
Fukui B.: R.Ivanauskas 16+6reb+1ast, R.Kelly 14+8reb+4ast, N.You 8+3reb, M.Damilola 7+1reb+4ast, H.Masashi 7+1reb+3ast, P.Ellis 7+5reb+1ast