By Zak Lenik
With teams gearing up for the postseason in the FM Home Loans Israel Basketball League, every game has playoff implications. Derech Etz Chaim and Bmoney Cards lead the race for the top playoff seed, with Bmoney holding on to a slim half-game lead. The week was filled with close games as every team is feeling the season come down to the wire. Players we haven’t seen before among the top scorers made their way in there, trying to give their teams the lift they need. Check out the action from around the league in week 10, presented by FM Home Loans.
Derech Etz Chaim vs. Cyclone Investment Group
Derech Etz Chaim played the Cyclone Investment Group in a matchup that lacked no drama and excitement. DEC took a commanding lead in the first half going up 16. The second half was an entirely different story. The Cyclones seemed to have heard the speech from “Miracle” in the halftime locker room, and came out with purpose. They started hitting their shots and crashing the boards. They stormed all the way back and even took the lead toward the end of the game. Derech Etz Chaim however came up with clutch buckets at the right time, and knocked down their free throws to regain the lead and claim the victory 51-47. The Cyclone Investment Group was led by Jackie Haber with 18 and Freddie Swaid with 17. DEC was led by Zevi Samet with 19 and Rav Hami Alexander with 17.
YLP Shayas vs. The Vikings
The Vikings battled YLP Shayas in a heated game filled with excitement. The Vikings took a dominant lead and kept it throughout most of the game. Towards the end, YLP Shayas started knocking down threes, and with less than 10 seconds to go made it a one possession game. In the end, the Vikings were able to convert from the line, hanging on for a narrow 55-53 win. Ezra Sicklick led all scorers with an incredible 29 points. Moshe Heller was not far behind him, leading the charge for YLP Shayas with 28.
Deco Gear Musketeers vs. Neve Fighters
The Deco Gear Musketeers went up against the Neve Fighters and put on a true display of dominance, routing them 63-36. They even did it artistically, keeping it a palindrome. Joe Sultan led the charge with 20, including some throw downs. Deco Gear Musketeers has been picking up a lot of momentum as they head into the playoffs. They have been making some noise, don’t sleep on them.
Midrash Ballers vs. Hebrwoos
In the first of a double header for the Hebrwoos, they took on the Midrash Ballers and defeated them 54-38. Hebrwoos came out strong and never looked back, putting up an impressive performance. A lot was on the line for the Hebrwoos, who have the playoffs in their sights. The Hebrwoos were led by Alex Pearl with 16, while the Midrash Ballers were led by Netanel Assayag with 21, putting the team on his back.
Baba Sali’s vs. Hebrwoos
In the back end of the double header for the Hebrwoos, they played against Baba Sali’s and won in a close game 57-52. The game went back and forth and came down to the wire. Baba Sali’s split the scoring pretty evenly, but Moshe Kehani took the game over for the Hebrwoos posting an amazing 26. He hit shots from all over the floor and got to the bucket at will, and Baba Sali’s had no answer for him. Completing a tremendously successful night, the Hebrwoos now have high hopes for a Tier 1 playoff appearance. But we will have to see how the records stack up by the end of the season.
Tubi Titans vs. B-money Cards
The undefeated B-money Cards put their record on the line once more, facing up against the Tubi Titans in a clash of the titans. B-money Cards trailed throughout the first half. The second half is when they came alive, led by Spencer Rubenstein knocking down a few 3’s, and some and-one’s. They ended up edging out Tubi Titans as they claimed the win in dramatic fashion 46-38. Rubenstein led B-money with 15 and Tubi Titans were paced by Steven Levian with 17.
Sinai Schools vs. Imrei Binah
Sinah Schools matched up with Imrei Binah in a back and forth game and eventually took the lead at the end to pull it out 47-42. Sinai Schools shared the ball nicely and played a game balanced by teamwork sharing the scoring load. Imrei Binah did the same, led by Yeshaya Fried with 14. Sinai Schools have now pushed themselves to 6-3, gaining momentum as they head into playoffs.
The Underdogs vs. Big Ballers
The Big Ballers took on the Underdogs in a rematch that would not disappoint. The game was physical and tough. Neither team had any significant lead throughout the game. It was close throughout but in the end the Big Ballers were able to beat the Underdogs 40-36. The scoring was balanced, with the Big Ballers led by Ikey Hadid with 14.
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