October 31, 2017
The Korean League (WKBL) kicked off their 2017-2018 season this past weekend with the defending champions Woori Bank taking on Shinhan Bank on the road. Shinhan Bank got off to an excellent start against the champions and never looked back. Kayla Thornton had a huge game for Shinhan as she dominated both offensively and defensively. Thornton finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Rashonda Gray also finished with a double double scoring 17 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in 20 minutes of play. Woori Bank made a late comeback but fell short in the end. This is unfamiliar territory for the defending champions as they only lost a total of two games last season. Natalie Achonwa finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds and Aisha Sutherland had 6 points and 6 rebounds.
On Sunday KB Bank hosted KDB for their season opener. Both teams got out to a pretty even start in the first quarter but KB slowly pulled away in the second and third periods. KDB had no answer for KB’s inside presence. Damiris Dantas had an amazing first game in the Korean league as she scored 29 points and pulled down 21 rebounds! Second-year player Jisu Park was also a monster on the boards with 18 rebounds. Currie finished with 8 points and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes of play. Jewell Loyd did her best for Kdb finishing with 14 points. Chante Black finished with 9 boards.
On Monday, Samsung visited KEB for their home opener. The first half was fairly close as Samsung had a five point lead to end the half. With both foreigners now able to play together only in the third quarter, Samsung pulled away in the third outscoring the hosts by ten. Alyssa Thomas was unstoppable starting the season with a triple double of 20 points 13 rebounds and 10 steals! Go Ara also had a great start to the season scoring 22 points. Isabelle Harrison finished with a double double for KEB scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Jazmon Gwathmy also had a double double as she finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
October 28, 2017
Shinhan Birds vs Wibee Woori 66-59
October 29, 2017
KB Stars vs. KDB Life 73-57
October 30, 2017
KEB One vs. Samsung 67-76
Standings;
- Samsung 1-0
- Shinhan 1-0
- KB 1-0
- Woori 0-1
- KDB 0-1
- KEB 0-1