The playoffs started in Israel on Monday with both semifinal series getting underway. Maccabi Ramat Hen was projected to advance past Ramat Hasharon easily, so it was a surprise for their first game at home to go to overtime before they could win 79-76. Rebekah Gardner, who has been one of the league’s most consistent players did not quite match her usual contribution. The other game was also a surprise even if it was the second place team beating the third place team at home. Bnot Hertzeliya beat a Maccabi Ashdod group that looked to be coming on strong 75-68 even as their usual star did not carry the scoring load. Jasmine Thomas emerged to put in a tremendous scoring effort and Michelle Snow delivered a veteran presence as the season approaches its most important point to lead their team to the win.
March 21, 2016
Maccabi Ramat Hen vs. Ramat Hasharon 79-76 (OT) RAM Gardner 23/8r Hopkins 16/6r Diamant 13 Shafir 9 Thornton 7/7r Feder 5 Cohen 2 RAH Cannon 17/12r Baron 16 Mincy 15/6r Armstrong 14 Kolodny 12/8r Alama 0/6r
Bnot Hertzeliya vs. Maccabi Ashdod 75-68 HER Thomas 31 Snow 20/6r Suez-Karni 8/8r Hampton 7/9r/7a ASH Wright 16/6r/6a Clark 14/7r Presley 12 Plaisance 10 Doron 8/6a Levitsky 4 Braxton 2 Selwyn 0